Plasmablastic Lymphoma in a Previously Undiagnosed Aids Patient: A Case Report

Background Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an unusual non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) most commonly found in the head and neck region. The majority of cases are seen in adult HIV-positive patients, although PBL has been reported in HIV-negative patients. The diagnosis of PBL serves as an AIDS-defining il...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Head & neck pathology (Totowa, N.J.) N.J.), 2008-06, Vol.2 (2), p.92-96
Main Authors: Vieira, Francisco O., El Gandour, Omar, Buadi, Francis K., Williams, Glenn B., Shires, Courtney B., Zafar, Nadeem
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - pathology
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - therapy
Adult
Anti-HIV Agents - therapeutic use
Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active - methods
Biomarkers, Tumor - metabolism
Case Report
Combined Modality Therapy
Dentistry
Female
Humans
Lymphoma, AIDS-Related - metabolism
Lymphoma, AIDS-Related - pathology
Lymphoma, AIDS-Related - therapy
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Mouth Neoplasms - metabolism
Mouth Neoplasms - pathology
Mouth Neoplasms - therapy
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Otorhinolaryngology
Pathology
Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Background Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an unusual non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) most commonly found in the head and neck region. The majority of cases are seen in adult HIV-positive patients, although PBL has been reported in HIV-negative patients. The diagnosis of PBL serves as an AIDS-defining illness. Methods We report a case of PBL localized to the oral cavity in a previously undiagnosed AIDS patient. The lesion manifested as solitary, ulcerated, and markedly tender. PBL was confirmed by immunohistochemical profile and subsequent tests confirmed AIDS diagnosis. The patient was prescribed highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and concomitant local low dose radiation therapy prior to initiation of chemotherapy. Results Complete local clinical response was observed after 4 weeks of treatment with HAART and radiation therapy. The response sustained in this patient in the subsequent 11 months following diagnosis. Conclusions The diagnosis of PBL has a unique immunophenotypic profile and should raise suspicion for AIDS in these patients. HAART added to treatment has shown improved survival.
ISSN:1936-055X
1936-0568
DOI:10.1007/s12105-008-0058-1