Intravascular Large B-cell Lymphoma Presenting as Sudden Death

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Hematology
• Pathology

Background:

• Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (ILBCL) is a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• It is characterized by mature B lymphoma cells confined to the intravascular space.
• ILBCL presents diagnostic challenges due to its lack of a discrete tumor mass, diffuse organ involvement, and nonspecific symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of rapid-onset intravascular large B-cell lymphoma.
• To underscore the diagnostic difficulties and the role of autopsy in identifying ILBCL.
• To increase awareness of this rare entity among autopsy and forensic pathologists.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient with rapid clinical decline.
• Diagnosis confirmed via autopsy examination.
• Review of literature on intravascular large B-cell lymphoma.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with acute symptoms and died within hours.
• Autopsy revealed intravascular large B-cell lymphoma as the cause of death.
• The findings highlight the aggressive nature and diagnostic elusiveness of ILBCL.

Conclusions:

• Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma can present with rapid, fatal progression.
• Autopsy plays a crucial role in diagnosing this rare and often overlooked condition.
• Enhanced awareness is needed among pathologists for timely diagnosis of ILBCL.