Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma in Hispanics: a case series and literature review

Abstract

Intravascular large B-cell Lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare subtype of extra nodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is challenging to diagnose and has a poor prognosis. Here we describe three non-White Hispanic patients newly diagnosed with IVLBCL within 14-month period. All of them presented with persistent fever of unknown origin and symptomatic severe anemia as the initial manifestations. Two out of three cases were successfully diagnosed in a timely manner by fat pad biopsy and have remained disease free up to 34 months after chemotherapy. The third case was diagnosed by bone marrow biopsy and deceased one week later after choosing home hospice care. To date, this is the largest published case series of IVLBCL in non-White Hispanics.

Intravascular Large B Cell Lymphoma - Still a Diagnostic Dilemma

“…Furthermore, whole body PET-CT can reveal hypermetabolic uptake in the vertebral bodies and lungs bilaterally, if involved. 2 However, a PET scan alone cannot confirm the diagnosis but can play a role in identifying an appropriate site for skin or organ biopsy. 8 …”

“… 1 In its rarity, it presents as two variants, a classic form (Western type) and a hemophagocytic syndrome form (Eastern/ Asian variant). 2 …”