Foreign body giant cell reaction in lungs, liver and spleen. A complication of long term haemodialysis.

Accumulation of a foreign material in grotesque quantities was observed in the macrophages of lung, liver and spleen of a patient on maintenance haemodialysis. The material appeared in macrophages which were found either in groups or singly, without causing epitheloid cell reaction, necrosis or fibrosis. The material was non-isotropic, non-crystalline and did not stain with routine staining procedures. Transmission electron microscopy showed its presence within lysosomal membranes. The nature of the material and the mechanism of its incorporation into the patient remain unclear, but it is conceivable that incorporation is a consequence of longterm interaction of blood and foreign material during haemodialysis. The clinical consequences of such incorporation have to established.