Retroperitoneal unicentric Castleman's disease-A case report and review of literature

Castleman's disease is not so commonly diagnosed worldwide due to non-specific symptoms Clinical findings are variable. No definite blood investigation or any biomarkers are established to diagnose this disease. Radiological investigations do not play much role in diagnosing. It can be unicentric or multicentric. Etiological factors are not well understood except predilection of this disease towards immune-compromised persons. Surgery is considered as a prime modality to treat, if resectable.

Patient had recurrent abdominal pain in left lumbar region which was intermittent for last 6 months, dull aching with no aggravating and relieving factors. There was no history of abnormal bowel habits, urinary complaints, fever, night sweats, weight loss, rashes in body, joint pains and loss of appetite. On examination, there was a single, firm, non-tender, intra-abdominal, retroperitoneal mass of approximately size 10 ∗ 7 cm in left lumbar region encroaching inferiorly towards left inguinal region. Digital rectal examination (DRE) and external genitalia were normal.

All routine blood investigations along with relevant tumour markers were normal. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) abdomen showed a well-defined mass suggestive of stromal tumour or retroperitoneal sarcoma. Patient underwent surgery in which complete excision of the mass was done. Postoperative event was uneventful and currently doing well.

Take away lesson in this case report is that we should not presume all retroperitoneal mass as cancer or sarcoma, we have to think about other rare causes like Castleman's disease, if clinical picture, blood and radiological investigation are discordant.