Diaphragmatic Castleman's disease: A rare lymphoproliferative disorder: Clinical and radiological perspectives

Castleman's disease (CD) is a rare, benign nonclonal lymphoproliferative disorder with an unclear etiology, presenting significant diagnostic challenges due to its nonspecific features. CD is categorized into unicentric (UCD) and multicentric (MCD) types, with MCD further divided into HHV-8-associated and idiopathic (iMCD) forms. Clinical manifestations include fever, weight loss, night sweats, and organomegaly, with specific symptoms depending on the subtype. Diagnostic criteria for CD involve a combination of major criteria-histopathologic examination and minor criteria. Imaging techniques, including CT, MRI, and PET-CT, play a crucial role in diagnosis, staging, and differentiation from other diseases. This paper discusses the pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic criteria, and imaging findings of CD, illustrated by a case of a patient with renal disease with incidentally detected a right cardiophrenic mass. The case highlights the importance of comprehensive imaging and clinical evaluation in managing CD.