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Jun 2019

Subcut. Panniculitis-like T-cell Lymphoma

Reviewer(s): Dharam M. Ramnani, MD
Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma involving subcutaneous fat. It is positive for alpha-beta receptor (Beta F1+). Cases that express gamma-delta are classified as cutaneous gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma.

SPTCL is seen over a wide age range (median age 36 years). Patients develop solitary or multiple, firm, erythematous/violaceous, deep-seated plaques or nodules without ulceration, usually on extremities or trunk. About 50% of patients have B symptoms (fever, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss).

SPTCL is associated with immune dysregulation. Many patients have history of systemic lupus erythematosus (20% of cases) or have received immunomodulation or immunosuppressive therapy. Lupus erythematosus panniculitis (LEP) and SPTCL share clinical and morphologic features.

The neoplastic cells are pleomorphic, mostly small to medium-sized with occasional large cells localized to the subcutaneous fat. They have hyperchromatic nuclei, scant cytoplasm, and surround individual adipocytes.
Immunophenotype: Positive markers: CD3, CD8, Beta F1, TIA1, granzyme B, perforin; Negative markers: CD4, CD56, gamma-delta T-cell receptor, CD30, EBV. T-cell receptor genes are clonally rearranged.

SPTCL is an indolent lesion with favorable prognosis. It remains confined to the skin throughout its clinical course. The 5-yr disease-specific survival rate is 80-90%. Prognosis worsens if hemophagocytic syndrome develops.

References:
Calonje, E et al (2020). McKee's Pathology of the Skin with Clinical Correlations - 5th Ed. Elsevier.
Jaffe, E. S. et al (2017). Hematopathology - Second Edition. Philadelphia, PA. Elsevier.
Revised 4th Edition of WHO Classification of Tumors of Hematopoietic & Lymphoid Tissues, 2017.