Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with pulmonary and cerebral involvement: A case report

Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma; however, the involvement of the lung and central nervous system (CNS) in patients with DLBCL is rare. Furthermore, patients with DLBCL rarely exhibit specific clinical symptoms, which may delay definitive diagnosis. The present study reports the case of a 42-year-old man suffering from primary DLBCL with concurrent pulmonary and cerebral involvement. The patient suffered from human immunodeficiency virus infection and presented with symptoms including dry cough, thoracalgia, intermittent mild fever and mild headache. Thoracic computed tomography scans revealed multiple pulmonary masses, and brain magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed nodules in the left frontal cortex and bilateral basal ganglia. A percutaneous lung needle biopsy test confirmed the diagnosis of DLBCL. In addition, positron emission tomography revealed the involvement of other parts of the body in DLBCL. The aim of the present study was to present the clinical, radiological and histological characteristics of the patient, which may aid physicians in diagnosing pulmonary and CNS involvement in DLBCL.