Angiofollicular ganglionic hyperplasia

Synonyms

2

Overview

Angiofollicular ganglionic hyperplasia - hyaline-vascular type is a rare disorder characterized by a localized overgrowth of lymph node tissue which can form a benign tumor-like growth. There are two types of the disease: hyaline-vascular type or the plasma cell type which tends to have more severe symptoms. The hyaline-vascular type is usually asymptomatic but symptoms can be determined by the location and number of growths and the effect it can have on nearby tissue by pushing against it - e.g. squashing blood vessels.

There are two main forms: unicentric CD and multicentric CD. Unicentric CD is a "localized" condition that is generally confined to a single set of lymph nodes, while multicentric CD is a "systemic" disease that affects multiple sets of lymph nodes and other tissues throughout the body.

Symptoms

  • Asymptomatic
  • Lump
  • Chest pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Asthenia
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Anemia
  • Recurring infection
  • Skin rash
  • Hypergammaglobulinemia
  • Dry cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Recurring respiratory infections

Causes

The exact underlying cause of Castleman disease (CD) is poorly understood. However, some scientists suspect that an increased production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) by the immune system may contribute to the development of CD. IL-6 is a substance normally produced by cells within the lymph nodes that helps coordinate the immune response to infection. Increased production of IL-6 may result in an overgrowth of lymphatic cells, leading to many of the signs and symptoms of CD.

It has also been found that a virus called human herpes virus type 8 (also known as HHV-8, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, or KSHV) is present in many people with multicentric CD, specifically. HHV-8 is found in nearly all people who are HIV-positive and develop multicentric CD, and in up to 60% of affected people without HIV. The HHV-8 virus may possibly cause multicentric CD by making its own IL-6.

Although the exact underlying cause of Castleman disease is unknown, it is thought to occur sporadically in people with no family history of the condition.

Treatment

Treatment varies based on the form of the condition, the severity of symptoms and whether or not the affected person also has an HIV and/or human herpes virus type 8 (HHV-8) infection.

Resources

  • NIH