Crystal-storing histiocytosis as a cause of symptomatic cardiac mass: Histologic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic findings

Charles J. Sailey, Borislav A. Alexiev, James S. Gammie, Paula Pinell-Salles, J. Lawrence Stafford, Allen Burke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Crystal-storing histiocytosis is a rare disorder that is typically associated with low-grade B-cell lymphomas and monoclonal gammopathy. We present a 64-year-old man with a prior history of weakness and weight loss and hematologic evaluation that had revealed immunoglobulin G κ monoclonal light chains in the serum and negative bone marrow biopsy. He presented with supraventricular tachyarrhythmia and a right atrial mass seen on echocardiogram and excised surgically. Histologically, the tumor was composed of sheets of macrophages infiltrating the atrial myocardium. The histiocytes were filled with multiple needleshaped, periodic acid-Schiff-negative crystals. These cells and associated plasma cells failed to show clonal light chain restriction by in situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry, and there was no area of lymphoma in the tumor. Ultrastructural examination showed numerous sticklike, trapezoidal, or polygonal dense crystals in the cytoplasm of histiocytes corroborating the diagnosis of crystalstoring histiocytosis. Although rare, crystal-storing histiocytosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of heart masses in patients with hematologic conditions associated with monoclonal gammopathy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1861-1864
Number of pages4
JournalArchives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Volume133
Issue number11
StatePublished - Nov 1 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Medical Laboratory Technology

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