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Published on: March 30, 2018
Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma masquerading as orbital cellulitis.
Justin Charton1, S Robert Witherspoon, Kamel Itani
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9057, USA. justincharton@yahoo.com
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|March 22, 2008
Summary
Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma can mimic orbital cellulitis, presenting with similar symptoms but not responding to antibiotics. Prompt biopsy is crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment of this rare lymphoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Pathology
Background:
- Orbital cellulitis is a common diagnosis for acute eye inflammation.
- Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is a rare and aggressive malignancy.
Observation:
- Three patients presented with symptoms mimicking orbital cellulitis, including pain, fever, and proptosis.
- Imaging revealed orbital soft-tissue swelling without abscess, and cultures were negative.
- Initial response to antibiotics was followed by relapse in all cases.
Findings:
- Biopsies confirmed Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma as the underlying diagnosis in all three patients.
- NKTCL can present insidiously, masquerading as more common orbital infections.
Implications:
- Consider NKTCL in refractory or relapsing cases of orbital cellulitis or sinusitis.
- Expeditious biopsy of affected orbital or sinus tissue is essential for definitive diagnosis.
- Repeat biopsies may be necessary if initial results are inconclusive.
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