Abstract
A case of immunoblastic lymphadenopathy (IL) in a 60-year-old man is described. The patient presented with fever, malaise, skin rash, generalized lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory examination revealed polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia. Although there was no convincing evidence of malignancy, a combination chemotherapy (vincristine, cyclophosphimide, 6-MP and prednisolone) was administered because of progressive lymphadenopathy. This was followed by what appeared to be vincristine neuropathy and the patient died of bilateral bronchopneumonia 3.5 months after the onset of the disease. Although a possibility of Hodgkin's disease was once entertained, retrospective review of both biopsy and autopsy slides favored the diagnosis of IL. On the basis of recent findings on IL, an account is given of the possible pathogenesis of IL.
