Primary hepatic lymphoma associated with chronic hepatitis C

Like other viruses (i.e Epstein'Barr virus), the role of hepatitis C virus is suspected in the pathogenesis of lymphoproliferative disorders. We report one case of primary hepatic malignant lymphoma associated with chronic hepatitis C viral infection. The diagnosis was obtained by percutaneous liver biopsy showing a non-Hodgkin's diffuse large cell lymphoma and micronodular cirrhosis. Serology for hepatitis C virus positivity was known three years before lymphoma diagnosis. Staging of the lymphoma confirmed multinodular primary hepatic lymphoma with no other detectable localisation. Complete remission has been obtained with aggressive chemotherapy. The role of hepatitis C virus in the pathogenesis of the lymphoma is unknown. An indirect mechanism is suspected. Chronic inflammation may evolve from polyclonal lymphocytic proliferation to true non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, as it has been suggested for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the emergence of cryoglobulinemia in hepatitis C positive patients.