Spinal cord compression by B-cell lymphoma, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma in a patient seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus: a case report

Abstract

IntroductionAlthough non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is one of the most common and frequently fatal of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome-defining illnesses, survival has improved significantly since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy. Patients with spinal cord compression resulting from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma present with clinically acute or rapidly progressive neurologic deficits. The purpose of this case report is to present a case of a patient seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus with spinal cord compression due to B-cell lymphoma, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma.Case presentationA 40-year-old Asian man, who was seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus, presented with progressive neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance images of his thoracic spine showed an epidural mass from T2 to T4, resulting in severe cord compression. Emergent surgical decompression and biopsy were performed, followed by palliative radiation therapy. The pathologic findings showed that the specimen was compatible with B-cell lymphoma, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma. Palliative radiation therapy was performed; however, leptomeningeal seeding and pulmonary embolism led to his death.ConclusionsWhen a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus presents with a rapidly progressive spinal tumor accompanying paraplegia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma should be considered, and surgical decompression should be weighed with respect to the patient’s general condition and the subtype/prognosis of the lymphoma.

Primary spinal epidural lymphoma: a rare entity with an ambiguous management

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Development of acute promyelocytic leukemia in a patient with tetraplegia while in inpatient rehabilitation: A case report

“…[13][14][15] Lastly, there have been numerous case reports regarding patients with spinal cord compressions caused by lymphoma. [16][17][18] According to a cross-sectional study by Saunders et al, the lifetime prevalence of cancer in those with spinal cord injury is 6.3%. 19 Within this study, skin cancer was the most common and was as common as "other" or "multiple" cancers at 32.1%.…”

Extensive calcification of the ligamentum flavum causing cervical myelopathy in a Caucasian woman

“…MRI imaging is important to differentiate from neoplasm, meningioma, lymphoma and chronic calcified epidural hematoma (Boutarbouch et al 2008; Matsui et al 2014; Seo et al 2014; Zhong et al 2011). To exclude pachymeningitis, CFS analysis is needed (Senapati et al 2014).…”