A Single-Center Retrospective Review of Pediatric Cases of Progressive
Transformation of Germinal Centers
Abstract
Background Progressive transformation of germinal centers (PTGC) is a
rare diagnosis characterized by asymptomatic lymph node enlargement. It
has previously been associated with lymphoma, autoimmune conditions, and
lymphoproliferative diseases in small pediatric case series. Procedures
We conducted a single-center retrospective review of pediatric cases of
PTGC diagnosed at our institution by hematopathologists from 2000 -
2020. Results We identified 57 primary cases and 3 recurrent cases of
PTGC. There was a male predominance in cases (32/57), with median age at
diagnosis of 11 years. Head and neck lymph nodes were the most commonly
involved and biopsied sites. Laboratory and imaging evaluations were
obtained inconsistently. Only 16% of patients saw a pediatric
hematology/oncology (PHO) specialist prior to diagnosis and 37% had
follow-up with PHO after diagnosis. Six patients (10%) had a preceding
or concurrent diagnosis of lymphoma and 5% of patients returned with
recurrent PTGC. Conclusions Patients with PTGC had similar
characteristics to those from previous case series. Fewer patients
underwent recurrent lymph node biopsy than previously described. PTGC
has been linked to certain types of lymphoma, although never
definitively associated with lymphoma. Follow-up with a PHO provider is
indicated to ensure that close surveillance is performed.