HIV-related non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Case report and review of the literature

HIV-related non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Case report and review of the literature

Authors

  • Davide Giordano Otolaryngology Unit, Department of Surgery, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova-IRCCS
  • Andrea Castellucci Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
  • Francesco Merli Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
  • Elisa Garlassi Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
  • Carmine Pernice Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Keywords:

Burkitt’s lymphoma, dysphagia, HIV, Highly active antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

Background: HIV-related Burkitt’s lymphoma with initial oropharyngeal presentation is rarely reported. The aim of this paper is to report the clinical findings of an unusual case of a patient with extranodal oropharyngeal Burkitt’s lymphoma as presenting disease of an unknown HIV positivity and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Methods: We reported the case of a hispanic patient with extranodal oropharyngeal Burkitt’s lymphoma as presenting disease of an unknown HIV positivity and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. We describe the diagnostic work-up and treatment of this rare case of extranodal oropharyngeal Burkitt’s lymphoma. Results: Histological exam on oropharyngeal incision biopsy documented a Burkitt’s lymphoma. The patient underwent highly active antiretroviral therapy and chemotherapy. After two years of follow-up the patient shows no signs of recurrence from disease. Conclusions: HIV-related Burkitt’s lymphoma presenting with primary oropharyngeal involvement is rare, with rapidly progressing dysphagia, and does not respond to antibiotherapy. Patients should undergo incision biopsy to rule out a malignancy. In young adults, diagnosis of Burkitt’s lymphoma should suggest HIV infection. The importance of a prompt diagnosis in such cases is essential to correctly adequately staging the disease to start highly active antiretroviral therapy and chemotherapy as soon as possible.

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Published

15-01-2019

Issue

Section

CASE REPORTS

How to Cite

1.
Giordano D, Castellucci A, Merli F, Garlassi E, Pernice C. HIV-related non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Case report and review of the literature. Acta Biomed. 2019;89(4):576-580. doi:10.23750/abm.v89i4.6627