Intravascular large cell lymphoma: diagnosis on renal biopsy

R A Axelsen1, P P Laird, M Horn

  • 1Department of Pathology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Pathology
|July 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a 60-year-old woman diagnosed with intravascular large cell lymphoma via renal biopsy. Chemotherapy led to remission, highlighting the kidney as a diagnostic site for this rare lymphoma.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nephrology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Intravascular large cell lymphoma (ILCL) is a rare extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by proliferation of malignant lymphocytes within the lumina of small blood vessels.
  • Diagnosis can be challenging due to its varied clinical presentations and potential to mimic other conditions.
  • Renal involvement is uncommon, but can manifest as proteinuria and systemic symptoms.

Observation:

  • A 60-year-old woman presented with systemic symptoms and significant proteinuria (3.5 g/day).
  • Renal biopsy revealed numerous neoplastic cells obstructing glomerular capillaries.
  • Immunoperoxidase staining confirmed a B-cell lineage (LCA+, L26+, MB2+).

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with intravascular large cell lymphoma based on renal biopsy findings.
  • Initial chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisone (CAVP) induced remission.
  • A subsequent relapse was successfully treated with cyclophosphamide, etoposide (VP16), and prednisone.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the renal biopsy as a crucial diagnostic tool for intravascular large cell lymphoma, particularly when other sites are not initially informative.
  • The successful treatment with standard chemotherapy regimens suggests that ILCL may respond to protocols used for other large cell lymphomas.
  • Further research into optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for ILCL, especially with renal involvement, is warranted.

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