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Low-grade B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type represents one of the most frequent primary lymphomas in the lung. This study demonstrates the value of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in the diagnosis of this entity. Three patients with biopsy proven MALT lymphoma in the lung were submitted to bronchoscopy. BAL fluid analysis showed an increased cellularity and a striking lymphocytosis. Cytological features consistent with a low-grade malignant lymphoma were present in two cases (medium sized lymphoid cells with an evident lymphoplasmocytoid differentiation, and irregular nuclear borders). In all cases, flow cytometry analysis showed a high percentage of cells expressing a B phenotype (52, 40 and 28%, respectively). In two cases, there was a striking monotypic expression of surface light-chain immunoglobulin (Kappa/Lambda ratio = 38 and 0.04, respectively). Bronchoalveolar lavage appears to be a valuable procedure in the diagnosis of low-grade B-cell lymphoma of MALT type in the lung.

We report our experience with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and its value in the diagnosis of malignant lung infiltrates. A total of 162 patients with biopsy- or autopsy-proven cancer had an analysis of BAL fluid performed. Cytologic examination showed malignant cells in 123 (76%) patients. The diagnostic accuracy varied depending on the neoplastic nature and growth pattern of the disease. BAL disclosed cancer cells in 93% of 44 bronchioloalveolar carcinomas. Carcinomatous lymphangitis due to metastatic cancer was diagnosed in 83% of 69 cases. Hematogenous metastases (with sharply circumscribed nodules on chest radiography) were diagnosed in 45% of 22 such cases. We recognized 67% of 15 non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and 3 of 9 cases of Hodgkin's disease with pulmonary involvement. Immunocytochemistry using monoclonal and/or polyclonal antibodies was of value in the identification and classification of cells in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Since alopecia areata might be due to an aberrant T-cell-mediated immunity, the purpose of our study was to compare the results obtained with Thymopentin to those of topical sensitizing therapies, such as squaric acid dibutylester or diphencyprone. Statistical analysis showed no differences between the results obtained with these two therapies. Therefore, Thymopentin can be considered to be a new therapeutic agent which, like the classic topical drugs squaric acid dibutylester or diphencyprone, has immunoreactive properties and might provide some hope to patients with severe alopecia areata.