Immunophenotyping--a tool for the differential diagnostics of lymphadenomegaly.

BACKGROUND Flow cytometry is a method that enables the automated quantification of a set of parameters for a large number of cells or cell-like particles. It is also possible to analyze solid tissues after reduction to a single cell suspension. One of the applications of fl ow cytometry is immunophenotyping. AIM The authors try to introduce the basic physical and biological principles of fl ow-cytometry to the broader public and to prove the benefits of method in lymph nodes assessment. METHOD A common method of immunophenotyping with the help of labeled monoclonal antibodies applied to lymph node cells was used. RESULTS Flow cytometry revealed the infiltration of the extirpated lymph node with leukemic cells. CONCLUSIONS The authors demonstrate fl ow cytometry as a relatively less common but efficient way of lymph node assessment in a patient with an anamnesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. They also discuss the contribution of immunophenotyping to the process of the differential diagnostics of lymph nodes enlargement.