FIBRIN DEPOSITS IN HODGKINS-DISEASE

Abstract

Fibrin deposits were observed in the involved lymph nodes and/or spleens of 15 patients with Hodgkin''s disease by specific immunofluorescence and EM. Two basic patterns of fibrin deposition were observed as follows: intercellular deposits, chiefly associated with nonneoplastic-appearing lymphoid cells; and deposits associated with the collagen fibers of young connective tissue. Coarse fibrin deposits were also observed in areas of necrosis, presumably a nonspecific finding. Fibronectin was also observed in intercellular areas, but staining was less intense than for fibrin. Fibrin deposits were also observed in 3 of 6 cases of non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma, indicating that the finding is not an exclusive feature of Hodgkin''s disease. Pathogenesis and possible significance of fibrin deposition in Hodgkin''s disease are related to earlier observations of activation of the coagulation system in neoplasia and cell-mediated immunity and to the possible role of fibrin, fibronectin and their breakdown products in angiogenesis and fibroplasia.