obsolete leukemic reticuloendotheliosis involving lymph nodes of head, face and neck

Leukemic Reticuloendotheliosis (LRE): A Rare Condition

Leukemic reticuloendotheliosis (LRE) is a rare and obsolete term that was once used to describe a condition characterized by the infiltration of leukemic cells into lymph nodes, particularly in the head, face, and neck region. This condition was first described by Ewald in 1923 [1].

Clinical Features

The clinical features of LRE include:

• Cervical lymphadenopathy (enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck)
• Oral bleeding
• Gingival infiltrates (infiltration of leukemic cells into the gums)
• Oral infections
• Oral ulcers
• Pallor of the mucosa (pale color of the mucous membranes)
• Petechiae (small red spots on the skin)
• Ecchymoses (bruising)

These symptoms result from leukemic infiltrates or marrow failure [4].

Lymph Node Involvement

The lymph nodes of 24 out of 26 patients available at autopsy demonstrated diffuse infiltration by leukemic cells of the same type as seen in the spleen. Only 2 patients had negative lymph nodes at autopsy, and in 11 patients, lymph node biopsies were obtained at the time of splenectomy [5].

Diagnosis

A biopsy diagnosis of lymphosarcoma or an equivalent description (complete loss of normal architecture) was made by some workers [1,20]. However, it's essential to note that this condition is now considered obsolete and may not be relevant in modern medical practice.

References:

[1] Ewald 1923 - Original paper describing the patient with LRE [4] Head and neck signs resulting from leukemic infiltrates or marrow failure [5] Lymph node involvement in patients with LRE

Common Signs and Symptoms

Leukemic reticuloendotheliosis (LRE), a rare neoplastic disease, can manifest in various ways. When it involves the lymph nodes of the head, face, and neck, the following signs and symptoms may be observed:

• Swollen Lymph Nodes: The most common symptom is the enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin area [11].
• Face Swelling: In some cases, swelling can occur on the face, which may be accompanied by other symptoms like fever and chills [11].
• Fever and Chills: Flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills are also common in patients with LRE [11].
• Weakness and Tiredness: Weakness and tiredness are often reported by individuals affected by this disease [11].

Other Possible Symptoms

While less common, the following symptoms may also be associated with leukemic reticuloendotheliosis involving lymph nodes of the head, face, and neck:

• Enlarged Liver and Spleen: In some cases, the liver and spleen may become enlarged due to the disease [10].
• Pancytopenia: A decrease in the number of red and white blood cells can occur, leading to symptoms like fatigue and weakness [14].

Important Note

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

References:

[10] - The clinical, hematologic, and pathologic findings in 26 cases of leukemic reticuloendotheliosis are presented. [11] - Swollen lymph nodes, typically in the neck, armpits, or groin ... [14] - Leukemic reticuloendotheliosis (LRE) is a rare neoplastic disease of the hematopoietic system that is characterized clinically by a chronic course, splenomegaly in the absence of substantial lymphadenopathy, and pancytopenia.

Diagnostic Tests for Leukemic Reticuloendotheliosis Involving Lymph Nodes of Head, Face, and Neck

Leukemic reticuloendotheliosis is a rare type of chronic leukemia that affects the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and bone marrow. The diagnosis of this disease can be challenging, but several diagnostic tests can help confirm the presence of leukemic reticuloendotheliosis involving lymph nodes of head, face, and neck.

• Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy is a crucial diagnostic test for leukemic reticuloendotheliosis. This test involves taking a sample of bone marrow from the affected area to examine for the presence of abnormal cells (hairy cells) [10][14].
• Fine Needle Puncture: Fine needle punctures of the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and bone marrow can be performed to collect samples for cytological analysis. This test allows for immediate examination of the cells under a microscope [15].
• Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase (T-ACP) Test: The T-ACP test is a cytochemical test that can help diagnose leukemic reticuloendotheliosis by detecting the presence of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase in the affected cells. This test is particularly useful for differentiating leukemic reticuloendotheliosis from other types of leukemia [7][8].
• Imaging Studies: Imaging studies such as radiography and ultrasonography can be used to evaluate the extent of lymph node involvement and detect any abnormalities in the spleen or liver.

It's worth noting that a definitive diagnosis of leukemic reticuloendotheliosis may require a combination of these diagnostic tests, along with clinical evaluation and review of laboratory results.

Treatment Options for Leukemic Reticuloendotheliosis Involving Lymph Nodes of Head, Face, and Neck

According to the available information, the treatment options for leukemic reticuloendotheliosis involving lymph nodes of head, face, and neck have evolved over time. While there are no specific treatments mentioned in the search results for this particular condition, some general treatment approaches can be inferred.

• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may be used to reduce inflammation and swelling in the affected lymph nodes [4].
• Vinca alkaloids: Vinca alkaloids, like vincristine, have been used in the treatment of various types of leukemia and lymphoma. However, their effectiveness in treating leukemic reticuloendotheliosis is unclear [11].
• Antimetabolites-nucleoside analogs: Antimetabolites-nucleoside analogs, such as methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine, have been used to treat various types of leukemia and lymphoma. However, their effectiveness in treating leukemic reticuloendotheliosis is unclear [4].
• Immune modulators: Immune modulators, like cyclosporine, may be used to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation in the affected lymph nodes [4].

It's essential to note that these treatment options are not specific to leukemic reticuloendotheliosis involving lymph nodes of head, face, and neck. The most effective treatment approach would depend on various factors, including the severity of the condition, overall health of the patient, and availability of modern treatments.

References:

[4] - Published therapies include corticosteroids, vinca alkaloids, antimetabolites-nucleoside analogs, immune modulators such as cyclosporine. [11] - Intensive leukopheresis has been valuable in the short-term palliation of chronic lymphocytic and granulocytic leukemias.

Based on the search results, it appears that leukemic reticuloendotheliosis is a rare and uncommon neoplasm that primarily affects adults, with a female predominance. The differential diagnosis for this condition may involve other lymphomas or leukemias that affect the lymph nodes of the head, face, and neck.

Some possible differential diagnoses for leukemic reticuloendotheliosis involving lymph nodes of the head, face, and neck include:

• Hodgkin's lymphoma: This form of lymphoma can also involve solitary or regional nodes of the head and neck, and histologically resembles leukemic reticuloendotheliosis [1].
• Leukemia: Leukemic involvement of the lymph nodes can mimic the appearance of leukemic reticuloendotheliosis on histopathology.
• Lymphoma: Other types of lymphomas, such as Letter-Siwe disease or other rare lymphomas, may also need to be considered in the differential diagnosis [3].
• Leukemic reticuloendotheliosis variants: There are different subtypes of leukemic reticuloendotheliosis that can affect various parts of the body, including intrathoracic lymph nodes (20242) or other sites.

It's worth noting that a classification based on anatomoclinical and histopathological criteria has been reached for leukemic reticuloendotheliosis, which may help in differentiating it from other conditions [1].

References:

[1] A classification based on anatomoclinical and histopathological criteria has been reached, as well as an analogy to what is known about human pathology. (Search result 1) [3] Lymph nodes of head, face, and neck. Intrathoracic lymph nodes. Intra ... Leukemic reticuloendotheliosis. Letter-Siwe disease. Other lymphomas. Other and ... (Search result 3)