Angio-immunoblastic lymphadenopathy with fibrosis of bone marrow, lymph node, liver and spleen, and proliferation of epithelioid cells in lymph nodes

We report a 47-year-old man diagnosed as angio-immunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinemia (AILD) with fibrosis of the bone marrow, lymph node, liver and spleen, and proliferation of epithelioid cells in lymph node. He was admitted to a hospital in May, 1980 because of general fatigue, cough, fever and systemic lymphadenopathy. The diagnosis of AILD was based on a biopsy of right cervical lymph node. His symptoms were improved but recurred with the addition of icterus and progressive pancytopenia with decrement of prednisolone. He was referred to our hospital in July, 1980 and his physical examination revealed generalized lymphadenopathy, icterus and hepatosplenomegaly. Hemogram showed pancytopenia, and needle biopsy of the bone marrow disclosed fibrosis. Sections from the lymph node showed AILD with proliferation of epithelioid cells. Administration of 60 mg/day of prednisolone improved the fever, lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. However he died suddenly of acute respiratory failure on July 30. Autopsy showed fibrosis of bone marrow, lymph node, liver and spleen with infiltration of abnormal lymphocytes, and pulmonary aspergillosis.