Primary pulmonary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma presenting multiple nodules mimicking metastasis: A case report

Abstract

Primary pulmonary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma is a rare entity. We describe a case of pulmonary lymphoma with multiple nodules mimicking metastases in a treated patient with rheumatoid arthritis. A 73‐year‐old man was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 30. He was treated with leflunomide. He was followed up for a nontuberculous mycobacterial infection. He underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction at the age of 70. In April 2022, routine follow‐up revealed new‐onset multiple nodules on chest computed tomography (CT). A position emission tomography/CT scan with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose showed a low‐high maximum standardized uptake value by multiple nodules. Pathologic examination of a video‐assisted thoracic surgical biopsy revealed pulmonary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Systemic chemotherapy with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone reduced and eliminated multiple nodules. Pulmonary lymphoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in the case of multiple nodules on a chest CT.