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Type C retrovirus‐like particles in mycosis fungoides

SIR, There is currently much interest in the possible viral aetiology of certain human T-celi malignancies. Gallo has recently isolated a new type C retrovirus (human T-cell leukaemia-lymphoma virus or HTLV) from patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) and the Sezary syndrome (Poiesz ei al., 1980; 1981). HTLV is now considered to be identical or very similar to the aduh T-cell leukaemia-lymphoma virus (ATLV), the possible causative agent of Japanese and other similar forms of T-cell leukaemia and lymphoma (Popovic et al., 1982). HTLV and ATLV particles have so far only been isolated from T cells maintained in culture. There has been only one previous report describing type C retrovirus-like particles in uncultured tissues from cases of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) (Van der Loo el al., 1979). The particles were present within both the skin and lymph nodes but were absent from control tissues. We describe two patients with infiltrated plaques of mycosis fungoides in whom axillary lymph node biopsy provided valuable information regarding the possible viral pathogenesis of the disease. Both patients had extensive cutaneous involvement but without any significant lymphadenopathy. Axillary lymph node biopsies were performed as part of a larger prospective study investigating the pathological staging of CTCL. Light microscopy ofthe nodes from both patients showed florid so-called dermatopathic lymphadenitis. Large convoluted lymphocytes were not apparent and the appearances were not considered diagnostic of involvement by CTCL. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the sinus cells consisted largely of Langerhans cells identified by the presence of characteristic cytoplasmic organelles (Birbeck granules) and