Dramatic treatment response of cutaneous plasmablastic lymphoma in an HIV patient: a case report

Plasmablastic lymphoma is a variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, characterized by rapid progression and is associated with a poor outcome. We report a 35-year-old male with poorly controlled HIV infection and AIDS who presented with skin lesions and swelling throughout the body. Computed tomography (CT) revealed innumerable enhancing soft tissue masses within the subcutaneous soft tissues and lymphadenopathy. Plasmablastic lymphoma was diagnosed, patient was treated with chemotherapy, and post treatment CT demonstrated complete resolution. Imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis and surveillance of this disease.