[Vascular sinus transformation of the lymph nodes. Morphological and immunohistochemical analysis of 6 cases].

Vascular sinus transformation (VST) of lymph nodes is characterized by the intrasinusoidal proliferation of endothelial cells forming a system of anastomosed channels filled with blood, and by an intrasinusoidal fibrous reaction. By analysis of six cases, the authors recall the histological criteria of this rare lesion and discuss its differential diagnosis. The endothelial nature of the proliferating cells is demonstrated by the presence of factor VIII related antigen. VST is usually observed in association with a thrombosis of lymph node veins. On the basis of their observations the authors suggest that a venous congestion only, accompanied by lymph congestion of lymph flow may induce a VST.