Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy: fifteen new cases.

Fifteen cases of chronic lymphadenitis with massive hemophagocytic sinus histiocytosis were analyzed. Fourteen patients were whites, 13 were Europeans, and 11 were males; 10 patients were under 10, 4 were over 20, and 2 over 60 years old. The oldest patient died; all other either healed without therapy or are in excellent condition. We studied the cytologic features of lymph node imprints. A 5-year-old girl was examined more thoroughly. High antibody titers to Klebsiella antigens were found repeatedly. The patient also had a constant lymphocytopenia. Phytohemagglutinin-induced blast transformation and lymphotoxin production were within normal limits. No serum Epstein-Barr virus-antibodies could be detected.