Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Misdiagnosed as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Report of a Rare Case

Abstract

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are a diverse group of lymphoproliferative disorders rising from the lymphocytes with a broad spectrum of histological characteristics and clinical manifestations that often complicate accurate diagnosis. Autoantibodies have been observed at higher frequencies in lymphoproliferative diseases, yet the precise role of the immune system and the underlying causative factors remain enigmatic. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), an aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma variant, commonly presents in a manner akin to other aggressive lymphomas, featuring swift progression of peripheral and/or retroperitoneal adenopathy, accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever, night sweats, and weight loss. This case report delves into a histologically verified instance of ALCL, which strikingly emulates systemic lupus erythematosus. This report's objective is to underscore the concept that lymphoma can manifest clinical or biological features reminiscent of autoimmunity.