[Burkitt's lymphoma in HIV infection]

One year after the diagnosis of HIV infection, a 34-year-old man developed marked but painless swelling of the left parotid of uncertain cause. The swelling completely regressed under 60Co gamma radiation. Subsequently subfebrile temperatures were noted, together with nausea and back pain. Hepatomegaly with signs of biliary stasis occurred, LDH levels rose to 808 U/l, and pleural effusion and pericarditis with pericardial effusion occurred. Histological examination of inguinal lymph nodes revealed HIV-associated Burkitt's lymphoma in stage IVb. A full but short remission set in during a six-drug COP-BLAM treatment regimen. The patient died six months after the diagnosis had been made of rapidly spreading recurrence.