Primary Hepatic Lymphoma Mimicking Cholangiocarcinoma

Primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) presenting with obstructive jaundice is rare and can mimic a preoperative diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. We should consider PHL in patients with radiological hepatic disease with normal serum alpha-fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen levels, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase. We present the case of a 67-year-old male with no significant medical history presented with abdominal pain, jaundice, fever, and abnormal liver function tests. Abdominal sonography and computed tomography scan suggested a diagnosis of obstructive jaundice and cholangitis due to cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumor). A subsequent liver biopsy diagnosed PHL, and the patient was treated with combination chemotherapy, including rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP). PHL should be considered in patients presenting with biliary obstruction.