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Primary effusion lymphoma diagnosed by pericardiocentesis
Michael C Nemunaitis1, Jeffrey M Schussler, S Michelle Shiller
1Department of Oncology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. MichaNem@BaylorHealth.edu
Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)
|January 27, 2009
Summary
Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), a rare cancer, typically affects HIV-positive individuals. This case highlights a PEL diagnosis in a patient without prior HIV, presenting with a pericardial effusion.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Hematology
Background:
- Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- PEL is strongly associated with Kaposi's sarcoma and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8).
- It characteristically affects serous body cavities, leading to effusions, and is often diagnosed in HIV-infected individuals with a poor prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of primary effusion lymphoma.
- To describe the presentation of PEL in a patient without a known history of HIV infection.
- To highlight the clinical course and diagnostic considerations for PEL presenting with pericardial effusion.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient diagnosed with primary effusion lymphoma.
- Clinical presentation and diagnostic workup of symptomatic pericardial effusion.
- Review of literature regarding PEL and its association with HIV.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with a symptomatic pericardial effusion.
- Diagnosis of primary effusion lymphoma was confirmed.
- The patient had no prior history of HIV infection, which is atypical for PEL.
Conclusions:
- Primary effusion lymphoma can occur in individuals without a known HIV diagnosis.
- Pericardial effusion can be the presenting manifestation of PEL.
- This case underscores the importance of considering PEL in the differential diagnosis of body cavity effusions, irrespective of HIV status.
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