Unilateral Hemispheric Hyperperfusion in Intravascular Large B-cell Lymphoma.

The diagnosis of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is often challenging owing to its nonspecific clinical manifestations and imaging findings. Herein, we present a rare case of IVLBCL in which seizure was the initial symptom, and unilateral hemispheric hyperperfusion on arterial spin labeling (ASL) was the only abnormal finding observed on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A 68-year-old male with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes was transferred to the emergency room owing to the sudden onset of altered consciousness and abnormal behavior. Upon arrival, the patient was disoriented and confused, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed pleocytosis and elevated protein level. Even after the administration of acyclovir and antiepileptic drugs, his consciousness remained impaired, with repeated transient right hemiparesis indicating a focal seizure. The initial and follow-up MRI scans showed no obvious abnormalities in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), T2-weighted imaging, or susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI); however, ASL revealed markedly increased blood flow to the left hemisphere. Subsequently, the rapid elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels after admission led to the diagnosis of IVLBCL by random skin biopsy and bone marrow examination. Despite the initiation of chemotherapy, the patient developed tumor lysis syndrome and succumbed to multiple organ failure. This case underscores the importance of considering IVLBCL in adult patients with refractory seizures and highlights the potential utility of ASL on MRI for early diagnosis.

Generalized Telangiectasia as a Hallmark of Intravascular Lymphoma: A Case Report and Literature Review.

A 55-year-old woman had remarkably generalized telangiectasia. Large atypical lymphoid cells were found within the lumen of small vessels, and CD20 was positive in her third skin biopsy. She was diagnosed with intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) and went into remission of the skin manifestations after seven courses of R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone) and four courses of intravenous high-dose methotrexate (HD MTX). To our knowledge, this is the first case report of IVLBCL with generalized telangiectasia in China. From a review of the literature, we found that generalized telangiectasia is a remarkable manifestation of intravascular lymphoma, and the differential diagnosis of intravascular lymphoma and panniculitis or vasculitis is very important. When the diagnosis is confusing, multiple skin biopsies are useful.

Barking up the wrong tree: Vascular tree-in-bud due to intravascular lymphoma.

A 59-year-old previously healthy woman presented with a six-month history of fever, nonproductive cough, and weight loss. The cause of these symptoms remained obscure despite a thorough, month-long hospitalization. On presentation, she was normotensive with a pulse of 98 beats/minute, respiratory rate of 20 breaths/minute, and a temperature of 39.4C. She was emaciated. Physical examination was notable for faint bibasilar crackles on lung auscultation. Initial laboratory testing revealed pancytopenia. Peripheral smear demonstrated normocytic, normochromic anemia without immature cells or schistocytes. Other notable laboratory findings included elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase, elevated ferritin, and elevated levels of fasting serum triglycerides. A comprehensive laboratory evaluation for connective tissue disease was negative. Plain chest radiography was normal while computed tomography (CT) of the chest demonstrated sub-centimeter nodules in a branching centrilobular pattern as well as in a peri-lymphatic distribution without associated lymphadenopathy or organomegaly. The above constellation of laboratory abnormalities raised concern for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Soluble IL-2 (CD25) receptor levels were markedly elevated. Bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsies of the right lower lobe was performed, revealing intravascular lymphoma associated with HLH. Our case emphasizes the need for clinicians to consider vascular causes of tree - in-bud nodules in addition to the conventional bronchiolar causes. The case also is a reminder of the need to conduct an exhaustive search for malignancy, in patients with HLH.

Whole-exome sequencing is feasible on a fresh-frozen skin sample of intravascular large B cell lymphoma.

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare aggressive extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The predominant, if not exclusive, growth of neoplastic cells within the lumina of small-sized vessels represents the hallmark of the disease. Diagnosis is challenging due to the absence of marked lymphadenopathy, the highly heterogeneous clinical presentation, and the rarity of the condition. Clinical presentation is characterized by variable combinations of nonspecific signs and symptoms (such as fever and weight loss), organ-specific focal manifestations due to altered perfusion, and hemophagocytic syndrome. The rarity of this entity and the paucity of neoplastic cells in biopsy samples hamper the study of recurrent molecular abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of a different approach to recover a sufficient amount of DNA of acceptable quality to perform next-generation sequencing studies. Here, we report the findings of whole-exome next-generation sequencing performed on a fresh-frozen cutaneous sample of IVLBCL, paired with the patient saliva used as germline DNA. To increase the cancer cell fraction, only the subcutaneous tissue was selected. With this approach, we obtained high-quality DNA and were able to identify oncogenic mutations specific for this entity and recapitulating its post-germinal center origin, even if the tumor fraction was low. Molecular studies performed on fresh-frozen cutaneous sample are feasible in IVLBCL, especially when analysis is restricted to the subcutaneous tissue. Wide adoption of this reproducible and cost-effective approach may foster further studies, which may be of help in supporting diagnosis, providing pathogenetic insights, and guiding treatment decisions.

Rapidly progressive dementia due to intravascular lymphoma: A prion disease reference center experience.

BACKGROUND: Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare extranodal lymphoma that is characterized by the selective growth of neoplastic cells in blood vessels, representing a potentially treatable cause of rapidly progressive dementia (RPD). Given its diverse clinical and instrumental presentation, it is often misdiagnosed with more common RPD causes, for example, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) or vascular dementia. METHODS: This study presents the clinical and histopathological characteristics of four IVLBCL cases that we diagnosed post-mortem over 20 years among over 600 brain samples received as suspected CJD cases at our prion disease reference center. RESULTS: Our patients exhibited various presenting symptoms, including behavioral disturbances, disorientation, and alertness fluctuations. The diagnostic tests performed at the time, including blood work, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analyses, electroencephalography, and neuroimaging, yielded nonspecific and occasionally misleading results. Consequently, the patients were repeatedly diagnosed as variably having CJD, epilepsy, vascular dementia, and encephalitis. The stored CSF samples of two patients tested negative at prion real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC), which we performed afterwards for research purposes. Neuropathological analysis revealed a differential involvement of various brain areas, with frontotemporal neocortices being the most affected. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the significant clinical and instrumental heterogeneity of IVLBCL. Neuropathological evidence of the preferential involvement of frontotemporal neocortices, potentially conditioning the clinical phenotype, could be relevant to reach an early diagnosis. Finally, given the therapeutic implications of its misdiagnosis with CJD, we emphasize the utility of prion RT-QuIC as a test for ruling out CJD in these patients.

Intravascular Lymphoma-Associated Stroke: A Systematic Review of Case Studies.

Intravascular lymphoma (IVL) is an aggressive systemic large B-cell lymphoma that is a rare cause of stroke. The clinical characteristics of stroke associated with IVL remain underexplored, contributing to diagnostic complexities and a high mortality rate. This study endeavors to elucidate the salient clinical and investigative features of stroke linked to this condition. A systematic review was performed using the PubMed database from the incident to August 2023 including search categories for IVL and stroke. All studies, excluding review articles, were included in this study. There were 58 cases with a confirmed diagnosis of IVL associated with stroke, with a mean age of 62.9 ± 9.6 years (female 50%). Classical lateralizing stroke symptoms were noted in only 69% of cases. Other clinical syndromes included altered sensorium (31%), rapidly progressive cognitive impairment (23%), seizures (22%), and gait disturbances (19%). Common hematological abnormalities included elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, 97%), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, 79%), C-reactive protein (CRP, 61%), interleukin-2, microglobulins, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein. CSF flow cytometry was not diagnostic, and cytology was mostly negative. The dynamic pattern for DWI/T2 lesions was predominant and primarily located in the subcortical regions. Diffuse background slowing (64%) was a major finding in the electroencephalogram. Seventy-one percent of cases died (n=45) mostly due to delayed diagnosis. Only 31% were treated with first-line R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride, vincristine, prednisone) chemotherapy, among whom 25% died. This study suggests that IVL-associated strokes carry a high mortality rate, largely due to challenges in timely diagnosis and therapy. Unlike classical stroke syndrome, key indicators to aid in early diagnosis include a clinical syndrome of multiple non-lateralizing neurological symptoms, dynamic MRI DWI/T2-lesions primarily located in subcortical regions, elevated serum LDH, ESR, CRP, interleukins, microglobulin, CSF protein, and CSF polymerase chain reaction analysis, apart from tissue examination. Larger studies should be performed to establish diagnostic and predictive scores.

Two cases of rare HHV8-driven intravascular lymphoma with synchronous Kaposi sarcoma, both diagnosed at autopsy in renal transplant recipients

We present the first report of two rare yet remarkably similar autopsy cases of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) and intravascular human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) positive lymphoproliferative disorder in renal transplant patients. It is well established that HHV8 infection causes Kaposi sarcoma (KS). More recently, it is recognized that HHV8 is also related to several lymphoproliferative conditions. These are poorly characterized and often difficult to diagnose. In both cases described herein, the diagnoses of multifocal hepatic KS and intravascular HHV8 positive (EBV negative) systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, NOS were made at autopsy. Given the findings we describe in cases with fatal outcomes, we discuss the implications of HHV8 screening in solid allograft recipients.

Gammapatías monoclonales de significado clínico en reumatología / Monoclonal gammopathies with clinical significance in rheumatology

Las gammapatías monoclonales son un grupo amplio de enfermedades de células hematológicas con expresión clínica variable, con afectación sistémica o localizada. Muchos de estos trastornos simulan enfermedades reumáticas, y pueden presentarse previa- o posteriormente a la enfermedad de base, por lo cual dificultan su diagnóstico. El propósito de este estudio es comunicar los casos de cinco pacientes con manifestaciones clínicas de enfermedades reumáticas y diagnóstico final de enfermedades oncohematológicas. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal mediante el análisis de historias clínicas de pacientes evaluados en el Servicio de Reumatología del Hospital José María Cullen de Santa Fe entre marzo del 2010 y junio del 2019. Se incluyó a cinco pacientes que fueron estudiados por sospecha de enfermedad reumatológica hasta llegar al diagnóstico final de gammapatía monoclonal. Cuatro pacientes presentaron mieloma múltiple manifestado como síndrome de Schnitzler; xantogranuloma del adulto y amiloidosis; aplastamientos vertebrales múltiples; falla renal aguda, respectivamente. El quinto paciente se presentó simulando una vasculitis sistémica con afectación multiorgánica y diagnóstico final de linfoma intravascular. Los pacientes fueron derivados al Servicio de Oncología y Hematología para su atención. A partir de la serie de casos analizados, se concluye que las manifestaciones reumáticas de las enfermedades oncohematológicas se deben tener presentes en el accionar diario para evitar la demora diagnóstica y los tratamientos innecesarios(AU)

Monoclonal gammapathies are a broad group of diseases from hematopoietic cells with variable clinical features and systemic or limited involvement. These entities could begin as a rheumatic disease, even previously to the diagnosis of MG. To describe five patients with rheumatic manifestations that lately were diagnosed as monoclonal gammapathies. We describe the more relevant features of five patients assisted in our rheumatology center. Four patients were diagnosed with multiple myeloma that begins as: 1) Schnitzler's syndrome, 2) Adult-onset xanthogranuloma and amyloidosis, 3) multiple vertebral fracture, 4) acute kidney failure. The 5th patient has a vasculitis-like syndrome due to an intravascular lymphoma. The rheumatic-like syndromes are infrequent but we should take into account this diagnosis in our clinical practice for rapid diagnostic and correct treatment(AU)

Linfoma primario de pulmón: serie de casos / Primary pulmonary lymphoma: a case serie

Primary Pulmonary Lymphomas (LPP) are infrequent and their clinical manifestations and images are usually non specific. Diagnostic delay may be important. The objective of this study was to analyze the LLP in our institution. Between 2003 and 2013, over 1,892 lymphomas were analyzed in our institution. Only 4 of them (0.21 percent incidence) were detected as LPP: Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma (n = 2), Hodgkin's Lymphoma (n = 1), and Intravascular Pulmonary Lymphoma (n = 1). Clinical manifestations of the 4 cases presented were unspecific: 1) pulmonary mass and pleural effusion; 2) consolidation with air bronchogram and cavitations; 3) normal images and 4) pulmonary mass. Given these clinical settings, 4 diagnostic methods were used: 1) Computed Tomography-Guided Puncture, 2) Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS); 3) VATS guided by positron emission tomography (PET) and 4) thoracotomy. Hence, diagnosis was successfully made between 45 to 90 days from the initial consultation. This report confirms the low incidence of LPP, and its unspecific clinical and radiographic manifestations that may cause delay in diagnosis. PET can contribute to improve diagnostic performance, especially in patients without apparent lung involvement.

Los linfomas primarios de pulmón (LPP) son infrecuentes. Sus manifestaciones clínicas y las imágenes son inespecíficas. El retraso diagnóstico puede ser considerable. Objetivo: Analizar los LPP durante el período 2003-2013 en nuestra institución. Sobre 1892 linfomas, 4 fueron LPP (0,21 por ciento): 1) linfoma no Hodgkin (n = 2); 2) linfoma Hodgkin (n= 1); 3) linfoma intravascular pulmonar (n = 1). Las manifestaciones clínicas y radiológicas fueron inespecíficas (masa pulmonar y derrame pleural, consolidación con broncograma aéreo y cavitación o bien ausencia de lesiones). Los métodos diagnósticos fueron: 1) punción guiada bajo TAC; 2) videotoracoscopía (VATS) y 3) VATS orientada por PET (tomografia por emisión de positrones) y 4) toracotomía. El tiempo entre la consulta inicial hasta el diagnóstico fue de 45 a 90 días. Este reporte confirma la baja incidencia de LPP, y sus manifestaciones clínicas y radiologías poco específicas. Esto puede contribuir a las demoras en el diagnóstico. El PET puede mejorar el rendimiento diagnóstico, en especial en ausencia de compromiso pulmonar radiológico evidente.