Multiple cranial nerve palsies in immunodeficiency subtype of Burkitt lymphoma

Abstract

Burkitt lymphoma is a late complication of HIV, and bilateral cranial nerve palsies are extremely rare in patients with AIDS. A twenty year old Caucasian male with known congenital HIV who had been non-adherent with anti-retroviral therapy presented with multiple cranial nerve palsies and was eventually diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma. Before chemotherapy, he was started on radiation therapy to the brain, meninges, and base of skull with the intent of improving cranial nerve palsies and preventing further neurological sequelae since the cranial nerve palsies were dense and there was concern that intrathecal chemotherapy would have less penetration than radiation. He eventually died due to overall disease burden. We hereby present what we believe is the first reported case of Burkitt lymphoma presenting with bilateral facial, vestibulocochlear, left abducens, and mandibular nerve palsies. Recognition of different presentations of Burkitt lymphoma is extremely important as it would aid in early diagnosis and initiation of both chemotherapy and anti-retroviral therapy potentially leading to improved outcomes.