Scanning Electron Microscopy of Exudative Macrophages in Malignant Lymphoma

Abstract

The possible value of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of skin window preparations in the clinical situation was investigated with reference to 48 h macrophages in 26 patients with malignant lymphoma. The preparations were processed for SEM using critical point drying and sputter coating. Identification of macrophages was made with reference to light microscopy of parallel preparations and of specimens already studied by SEM. Distinctive SEM appearances were present in most of the patients. Although many macrophages were similar to those from normal subjects, the majority showed a more variable morphology, including the presence of ruffles and coarse ridge-like profiles. Highly significant differences were found on statistical analysis. Immaturity of the 48 h macrophages is present in some patients with malignant lymphoma, perhaps reflecting the macrophage dysfunction already described in these diseases. The findings indicate the potential clinical application for this technique.