Plasmablastic lymphoma in pediatric patients: clinicopathologic study of three cases

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an aggressive high grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma which occurs predominantly in adult patients who are concomitantly afflicted with HIV infection. In contrast to several reports and studies of PBL in adult patients, PBL has very rarely been reported in pediatric patients. This article hereby provides collaborative clinicopathologic information of de novo PBL diagnosed in 3 pediatric patients with concomitant HIV infection. Cognizance of this rare tumor in the pediatric population coupled with antiretroviral therapy and prompt initiation of multimodality treatment may, in the future, facilitate improved outcome in pediatric patients with PBL.