Multicentric Castleman's disease in HIV infection

Multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder. The precise incidence is unknown, although it is more common in HIV-positive than HIV-negative individuals. The pathological features of MCD strongly suggest a chronic antigen stimulation response, and human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) has been found to be universal in cases of HIV-related MCD. The presentation is non-specific with a wide differential diagnosis, which often results in a significant delay in its diagnosis. Diagnosis is made on the clinical presentation of a lymphoproliferative disorder, with evidence of multisystem involvement with classical histopathology on lymph node biopsy. Although no standard of care has been established for its treatment, symptomatic recurrences are often treated with corticosteroids and chemotherapy. The contribution of highly active antiretroviral treatment to the treatment of MCD remains debated. Novel treatments targeted at HHV8 show promising results, although evidence is currently limited to case reports. Randomized control trials assessing whether 'prophylactic' treatment with ganciclovir may prevent flares as currently used against cytomegalovirus disease in transplant patients are proposed. The prognosis of MCD in HIV-positive patients remains generally poor with a median survival of 48 months from diagnosis, and a 15-fold increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.