Rare primary effusion lymphoma associated with HHV-8 in Japan

We describe a 62-year-old man infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 who developed primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). Pleural effusion contained atypical lymphoid cells with human herpesvirus (HHV)-8 latent nuclear antigen (LANA)(+). Radiological examination revealed pleural and pericardial effusion, but no evidence of tumor mass or lymph node enlargement. The patient was administered with highly active anti retroviral therapy (HAART) and THP-COP therapy, resulting in complete remission. The prevalence of HHV-8 infection among HIV positive individuals is higher than in the general population in Japan. Although PEL is extremely rare in Japan, the incidence might increase in the future.