Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy: a T-cell deficiency.

The case of a 49-year-old man with the diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy is reported. The patient survived a stormy clinical course. The corticosteroids improved dramatically the clinical picture although the patient developed a staphylococcal septicemia. Before treatment immunological studies were done including quantitation of B and T-cells, antigen stimulation of lymphocytes in vitro, skin tests and skin window. Impairment of cell mediated immunity, decreased T-lymphocytes and increased B-lymphocytes were found. A decreased migration of lymphocytes in the skin window was also found compatible with immunosuppression. A possible presumptive pathogenetic mechanism is described although the cause of this recently described entity remains unknown.