Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of the appendix in children: a descriptive analysis of accompanying neural and stromal features
Frontiers in Pediatrics, cilt.14, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 14
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.3389/fped.2026.1749724
- Dergi Adı: Frontiers in Pediatrics
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Anahtar Kelimeler: neural proliferation, pediatric appendectomy, perineural fibrosis, reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, S-100 immunohistochemistry
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background – Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH) is frequently identified in pediatric appendectomy specimens performed for suspected acute appendicitis. However, its associated neural and stromal alterations remain incompletely characterized. Methods – This retrospective descriptive study evaluated pediatric appendectomy specimens obtained between January 2019 and January 2024. RLH cases were identified based on histopathological criteria. Archived specimens were re-evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining, S-100 immunohistochemistry, and Masson's trichrome staining. Neural alterations were classified according to Höfler's criteria, and fibrosis was graded semiquantitatively. Results – Among 468 appendectomies, 100 cases fulfilled the criteria for RLH. The mean age was 11.34 ± 4.31 years, and 63% were male. Neural and stromal alterations, including S-100–positive nerve elements and varying degrees of fibrosis, were frequently observed. Höfler Type 1 and Type 3 patterns were the most common, and fibrosis was predominantly mild to moderate. Postoperative symptom resolution was observed in patients with available follow-up. Conclusion – RLH in children is commonly associated with reactive neural and stromal alterations. However, these findings should be interpreted as nonspecific reactive changes rather than disease-specific features. Further studies are needed to clarify their clinical significance.