[Sea-blue histiocyte syndrome. Review of the literature apropos of a case of idiopathic splenomegaly in the adult].

A case of idiopathic splenomegaly with ceroid histiocytosis--the so-called sea-blue histiocytosis--is reported with reference to the literature. The histological, histochemical and ultrastructural features of stained sea-blue and ceroid-containing macrophages are described and their physiopathological significance is discussed. Attention is drawn to the distinctions, between idiopathic and secondary or associated forms, and the practical value of the pathological diagnosis is emphasized.