CHRONIC MYELOGENOUS LEUKEMIA WITH RETICULUM‐CELL‐SARCOMA‐LIKE CELL PROLIFERATION—Significance of Eosinophilic Granules in Sarcomatous Cells

Abstract

A case of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) associated with proliferation of atypical cells resembling those of reticulum cell sarcoma (RCS‐like cells) is presented. A number of immature eosinophils were present mingled with ordinary leukemic cells, which infiltrated in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, lungs and testes. RCS‐like cells either formed solitary nodular foci or randomly mingled with infiltrating leukemic cells. Charcot‐Leyden crystals were seen in some areas where RCS‐like cells proliferated. As a peculiar feature the presence of eosinophilic granules in some of the RCS‐like cells was noted. They were proved to be immature form of specific granules of eosinophils by their staining properties and ultrastructural aspects. Based on these findings the myelogenous origin of RCS‐like cells is suggested. The patient died of cerebral complication of aspergillosis. ACTA PATH. JAP. 29: 585–595, 1979.