Chediak-Higashi Syndrome Workup

  • Author: Roman Janusz Nowicki, MD, PhD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jul 13, 2011
 

Laboratory Studies

  • Peripheral blood smear: Diagnosis of Chédiak-Higashi syndrome is made by recognition of the characteristic giant granules in neutrophils, eosinophils, and granulocytes by using light microscopy of a routine blood smear. Laboratory findings include neutropenia and hypergammaglobulinemia.
  • Bone marrow smears: Bone marrow smears reveal giant inclusion bodies in leukocyte precursor cells. The granules are peroxidase positive and contain lysosomal enzymes, suggesting that they are giant lysosomes, or in the case of melanocytes, that they are giant melanosomes. The diagnostic hallmark is the occurrence of giant inclusion bodies in the peripheral leukocytes and their bone marrow precursors.[14]
  • Fluorescence cytometric analysis: In addition to the characteristic leukocytic dysfunctions, fluorescence cytometric analysis of cellular granularity and surface molecules offer useful diagnostic information.
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Imaging Studies

  • Oral radiographs reveal extensive loss of alveolar bone, leading to tooth exfoliation in most cases.
  • CT scans and MRIs demonstrate diffuse brain and spinal cord atrophy.
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Other Tests

  • Light and electron microscopic examinations of biopsy specimens of periodontal tissues reveal massive bacterial invasion of epithelial tissue, epithelial cells, and connective tissue.
  • Ultrastructural observations of periodontal polymorphonuclear leukocytes reveal defective granulation, with abnormal granules not discharging their lysosomal content against the engulfed bacteria. Viable dividing bacteria are found in the cytoplasm.
  • Prenatal diagnosis can be made by examination of hair from fetal scalp biopsy specimens and of leukocytes from fetal blood samples.
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Histologic Findings

A skin biopsy specimen usually appears entirely normal but may show melanin macroglobules and perhaps sparse dermal melanin. Ultrastructural examination reveals large abnormal type stage IV melanosomes that are transferred to keratinocytes with difficulty and are degraded rapidly.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Roman Janusz Nowicki, MD, PhD  Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland

Roman Janusz Nowicki, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, and International Society for Human and Animal Mycology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Jacek C Szepietowski, MD, PhD  Professor, Vice-Head, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University; Director of the Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland

Disclosure: Stiefel GSK Company Salary Employment; Orfagen Consulting fee Consulting; Maruho Consulting fee Consulting; Astellas Consulting fee Consulting; Abbott Consulting fee Consulting; Leo Pharma Consulting fee Consulting

Michael J Wells, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine

Michael J Wells, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH  Professor and Head, Dermatology, Professor of Pathology, Pediatrics, Medicine, and Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, and Sigma Xi

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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