NK/T-cell lymphoma in AIDS

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection can lead to various neurological complications.
• Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment (HAART) has significantly improved outcomes for HIV patients.
• Ocular and cranial nerve palsies can be indicative of underlying systemic diseases.

Observation:

• A 42-year-old male, diagnosed with HIV and on HAART, presented with diplopia and left ptosis.
• Clinical examination revealed left 3rd cranial nerve palsy and partial right lower motor neuron facial palsy.
• Computed Tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinuses (PNS) showed soft tissue within the right maxillary sinus antrum.

Findings:

• The patient's symptoms were attributed to a mass identified in the maxillary sinus.
• Histopathological analysis confirmed the mass to be an Extranodal Natural Killer T-cell Lymphoma (NK/T cell lymphoma).
• This case highlights an atypical presentation of NK/T cell lymphoma in an HIV-positive individual.

Implications:

• Early detection and diagnosis of unusual lymphoma presentations are crucial in immunocompromised patients.
• Neurological symptoms in HIV-positive individuals warrant comprehensive investigation beyond opportunistic infections.
• Maxillary sinus masses should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cranial nerve palsies, particularly in at-risk populations.