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Pyothorax-associated lymphoma: complete remission achieved by chemotherapy alone
Tomoki Nakagawa1, Takayuki Nakano, Ryota Masuda
1Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Tokai University Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, k167999@is.icc.u-tokai.ac.jp.
General Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|March 30, 2013
Summary
A rare case of pyothorax-associated lymphoma (PAL) in an 81-year-old female, stemming from tuberculosis treatment, achieved complete remission with R-CHOP therapy and showed no recurrence over four years.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Artificial pneumothorax was historically used to treat pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Chronic pyothorax can arise as a complication of artificial pneumothorax.
- Malignant lymphoma is a rare but serious complication of chronic inflammation.
Observation:
- An 81-year-old female presented with back pain, a history of artificial pneumothorax for tuberculosis, and chronic pyothorax.
- Imaging revealed a large tumor associated with the left sixth and seventh ribs.
- Biopsy confirmed pyothorax-associated lymphoma.
Findings:
- The patient received four cycles of R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy.
- Complete remission of the lymphoma was achieved following treatment.
- No evidence of recurrence was observed during a four-year follow-up period.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential long-term oncogenic risk of chronic inflammatory conditions like pyothorax.
- Pyothorax-associated lymphoma is a treatable malignancy, even in elderly patients.
- Effective chemotherapy regimens can lead to durable remissions, improving patient outcomes.
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