Hodgkin Lymphoma Mimicking Osteomyelitis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Hodgkin lymphoma can present with bone involvement, mimicking osteomyelitis.
• Clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings often overlap between these two conditions.
• Differentiating between lymphoma and infection is crucial for appropriate patient management.

Observation:

• A 40-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of sternal osteomyelitis after a marine animal sting.
• Initial imaging and symptoms were classic for osteomyelitis.
• Fine-needle biopsy was equivocal, raising suspicion for an alternative diagnosis.

Findings:

• Excisional biopsy ultimately confirmed Hodgkin lymphoma.
• The case highlights the diagnostic challenge posed by malignancies mimicking infections.
• Early suspicion and appropriate biopsy are key to avoiding misdiagnosis.

Implications:

• Maintaining a broad differential diagnosis is vital when faced with overlapping clinical presentations.
• Malignancies and infections can share similar features, necessitating thorough investigation.
• Accurate diagnosis and staging of Hodgkin lymphoma guide effective treatment strategies.