A clinicopathological classification of granulomatous disorders

Granulomatous disorders comprise a large family sharing the histological de nominator of granuloma formation. A granuloma is a focal compact collection of inflammatory cells, mononuclear cells predominating, usually as a resul t of the persistence of a non-degradable product and of active cell. mediat ed hypersensitivity. There is a complex interplay between invading organism or prolonged antigenaemia, macrophage activity, a Th1 cell response, B cel l overactivity and a vast array of biological mediators. Differential diagn osis and management demand a skilful interpretation of clinical findings an d pathological evidence. They are classified into infections, vasculitis, i mmunological aberration, leucocyte oxidase deficiency, hypersensitivity, ch emicals, and neoplasia.