Differentiating between Burkitt lymphoma and CD10+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: the role of commonly used flow cytometry cell markers and the application of a multiparameter scoring system

Am J Clin Pathol. 2012 Apr;137(4):665-70. doi: 10.1309/AJCP3FEPX5BEEKGX.

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate routine flow cytometric (FC) immunophenotypic markers in differentiating between Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and CD10+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We performed retrospective analysis of FC data from 55 patients. We evaluated 9 FC parameters: forward and side scatter (FSC and SSC); mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) for CD20, CD10, CD38, CD79b, CD43, and CD71; and the percentage of neoplastic cells positive for CD71 (%CD71). The FSC; MFIs of CD10, CD43, CD79b, and CD71; and %CD71 cells were significantly different between BL and CD10+ DLBCL (P < .05; Student t test). A 5-point scoring system (FSC, %CD71, and MFIs of CD43, CD79b, and CD71) was devised, and 6 (60%) of 10 BLs scored 3 or greater and 1 (10%) of 10 CD10+ DLBCLs scored 3 (P = .04; χ(2)). Our findings indicate that routine FC parameters can aid in differentiating BL from CD10+ DLBCL.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Burkitt Lymphoma / diagnosis*
  • Burkitt Lymphoma / immunology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Flow Cytometry / methods*
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / immunology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neprilysin / immunology
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Neprilysin