Table 1 Comparison of low- and medium-power microscopic findings in EBV lymphadenitis versus selected lymphomas
Active EBV Lymphadenitis | cHL | ALCL | DLBCL Non-GCB Subtype | AITL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lymph Node Architecture | Mottled, partially preserved | Usually Not preserved | Usually Not preserved (Except in early involvement) | Not preserved | Not preserved, but sparing of peripheral cortical sinuses |
Cell Size Dichotomy Between Large Atypical & Background Cells (versus a spectrum of variably sized cells)a | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Necrosis | Yes, common, usually patchy | Yes (in nodular sclerosis subtype) | Not common | Yes | Rare |
Vasculitis & Vessel Wall Infiltrates | Common | Uncommon | Uncommon | Uncommon | Uncommon |
Granulomas | Rare, ill-defined “soft” granulomas | Rare, “soft” granuloma (mostly in mixed cellularity subtype) | No | No | No, but may have increased reactive histiocytes |