Primary pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in a Japanese renal transplant recipient

Pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) developed in a 31-year-old renal transplant recipient 3 years after transplantation. Chest roentgenogram showed rapidly progressive multiple nodules in both lungs. The pleural fluid obtained by needle aspiration contained many atypical cells with surface B cell antigen and abnormal karyotype. The patient died of pulmonary edema shortly after combination chemotherapy was begun without regression of the tumors. Autopsy revealed diffuse large cell NHL confined to both lungs. Immunological examination and DNA analysis of the tumor showed monoclonal B cell NHL.