Castleman's disease. A rare cause of isolated retroperitoneal mass

We describe a case of hyaline vascular type Castleman 's disease with unifocal presentation as retroperitoneal mass. We describe the pathological and radiological findings and present a bibliographic review.

Castleman's disease is a rare benign disease of unknown etiology characterized by a lymphoproliferative disorder. Two clinical types have been described: localized and multicentric. Isolated retroperitoneal involvement is uncommon.

39-year-old female who complained of back pain. Abdominal CT scan identified a 5 cm retroperitoneal interaortocaval mass. Complete laparoscopic excision was performed. Pathological study showed localized angiofollicular hyperplasia (hyaline vascular type Castleman's disease).

The presentation of Castleman's disease as isolated retroperitonealmass is quite rare and should be distinguished from other retroperitoneal lesions of malignant character. The treatment of choice is surgery, providing a definitive and curative diagnosis. Operative biopsy may be useful.