Dianzani Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Disease
Dianzani autoimmune lymphoproliferative disease (DALD) is a very rare disorder characterized by autoimmunity, lymphadenopathy and/or splenomegaly.
Epidemiology
The prevalence of DALD is not known. The disorder has been reported in fewer than 30 patients to date.
Clinical description
Age of onset is highly variable, ranging from childhood to young adulthood. In patients with DALD, signs of autoimmunity include recurrent episodes of thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and/or autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Lymphoadenopathy and/or splenomegaly are invariably noted. A possible increased risk of cancer has been suggested in these patients.
Etiology
The cause of DALD is not known but it is thought to be hereditary.
Diagnostic methods
Biologically, DALD is characterized by normal double-negative T-cells (DNTs) and defective in vitro FAS-mediated apoptosis.
Genetic counseling
The pattern of inheritance of DALD is not known.