Autologous peripheral blood stem cell mobilization following dose-adjusted cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone chemotherapy alone or in combination with rituximab in treating high-risk non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Background: The regimen of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone(CHOP) is an eicient treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL). This study aimed to assess the eicacy and toxicity of dose-adjusted CHOP alone or in combination with rituximab(R-CHOP) by examining the stem cell mobilization in NHL patients. Factors afecting the collection of CD34+ cells were also explored.Methods: Our retrospective study included 39 patients eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation: 14 patients who expressed CD20 and were inancially eligible received R-CHOP for autologous peripheral blood stem cell(APBSC) mobilization; the remaining 25 patients received CHOP.Results: The median CD34+ cell yield was 7.01 × 106 cells/kg body weight(range 1.49–28.39 × 106 cells/kg body weight), with only two patients failing to meet the target CD34+ cell harvest of ber of apheresis procedures per patient was 1(range 1–3). The≥2.0 APBS× 106 cells/kg body weight. The median numC mobilization yield of the CHOP group appeared to be higher than that of the R-CHOP group(P response(CR) rate in = 0.005), whereas the success rate was similar between groups. R-CHOP elevated the completeB cell lymphoma patients as compared with CHOP(P = 0.01). No signiicant diferences in toxicity or engraftment were observed between the two groups.Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that dose-adjusted CHOP chemotherapy efectively mobilized APBSCs in NHL patients and that the addition of rituximab to dose-adjusted CHOP chemotherapy elevated the CR rate for patients with B-cell lymphoma.

HCV infection, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and immunochemotherapy: Evidence and open questions

There is plenty of data confirming that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a predisposing factor for a B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) outbreak, while relatively few reports have addressed the role of HCV in affecting B-NHL patients' outcome. HCV infection may influence the short-term outcome of B-NHL because of the emergence of severe hepatic toxicity (HT) during immunochemotherapy. Furthermore, the long term outcome of HCV-related liver disease and patients' quality of life will possibly be affected by Rituximab maintenance, multiple-lines of toxicity during chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In this review, data dealing with aggressive and low-grade B-NHL were separately analyzed. The few retrospective papers reporting on aggressive B-NHL patients showed that HCV infection is a risk factor for the outbreak of severe HT during treatment. This adverse event not infrequently leads to the reduction of treatment density and intensity. Existing papers report that low-grade B-NHL patients with HCV infection may have a more widespread disease, more frequent relapses or a lower ORR compared to HCV-negative patients. Notwithstanding, there is no statistical evidence that the prognosis of HCV-positive patients is inferior to that of HCV-negative subjects. HCV-positive prospective studies and longer follow-up are necessary to ascertain if HCV-positive B-NHL patients have inferior outcomes and if there are long term sequels of immunochemotherapies on the progression of liver disease.

Correlation between Increased Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Stage of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

This study aims to examine the levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells （cEPCs） in the peripheral blood of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma （NHL） and their correlation with the tumor stage. Forty-one patients with biopsy-proven NHL and 16 healthy individuals were recruited. Pe- ripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） were isolated by density gradient centrifugation, and cEPCs were characterized by triple staining using antibodies against CD133, CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 （VEGFR-2, CD309） and quantified by flow cytometry. In NHL patients, the number of cEPCs was significantly greater than in control group （P=-0.000）. The cEPCs counts in patients with NHL of stage III-1V were significantly greater than in stage I -II （P=-0.010）. FACS analysis revealed that the number of cEPCs in NHL patients had no correlation with the gender （P=0.401） or the pathological category （P=0.852）. It was suggested that the over-expression of cEPCs in NHL patients may serve as a novel biomarker for disease progression in NHL.

‘Les liaisons dangereuses’: Hepatitis C, Rituximab and B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas

Rituximab has provided a revolutionary contribution to the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL). A high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been described in B-cell NHL patients. Cases of liver dysfunction in HCV-positive patients have been reported with Rituximab-containing regimens. In this paper we review the recent data regarding the effects of Rituximab in NHL patients with HCV infection. We also added a section devoted to improving communication between oncohaematologists and hepatologists. Furthermore, we propose a common methodological ground to study hepatic toxicity emerging during chemotherapy.

Unusual Presentation of Non-Hodgkin’s B-Cell Lymphoma with Unilateral Right Limb Lymphedema

Background: In clinical practice and setting of general practice it is common to see patients with leg edema. To correctly identify the etiology of the edema and then properly manage the cause is not always easy. The unilateral lymphedema of the lower limb has rarely been reported as an initial presentation for lymphoma, especially in females, usually without classic signs or symptoms, but often with inguinal lymphadenopathy or abdominal masses. Case Report: In this article, we report a rare case of unilateral lower limb edema in a healthy obese woman who complained about the appearance of the disease for several months and for whom deep vein thrombosis and other diseases had been excluded. The histological examination of the biopsy of an enlarged lymph node in the right groin, which was compressing the iliac and femoral vein, revealed the presence of B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with high-grade malignancy. Conclusions: A common challenge for primary care physicians is to determine the cause and find an effective treatment for leg edema of unclear etiology. Non-Hodgkin’s B-cell Lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with unilateral leg edema when the swelling is chronic and deep venous thrombosis is promptly excluded.

Allogeneic and autologous stem cell transplantation with busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide conditioning therapy for relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma

The optimal stem cell transplantation (SCT) conditioning therapy for relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is not clearly defined. In a retrospective analysis, we examined 25 patients with “high risk” relapsed/refractory NHL who received busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide (Bu/Cy/VP16) conditioning with autologous or allogeneic SCT. The majority of patients had aggressive histology and 52% had primary refractory NHL. Furthermore, 48% of patients had chemotherapy-resistant disease at the time of SCT. Fifty-six percent of patients underwent allogeneic SCT, while 44% had autologous SCT. The median engraftment time for neutrophils and platelets was 13.5 and 14 days, respectively. The 100-day treatment-related mortality (TRM) was 16%, while the 2-year non-relapse mortality (NRM) rate was also 16%. At a median follow-up of 15 months, the estimated 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 64% (95% confidence interval (CI): 36%-82%) and the estimated 2-year overall survival (OS) was 69% (95% CI: 40%-86%). Furthermore, the 2-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rate was 73% (95% CI: 40%-90%). Using Cox proportional hazard modeling, the International Prognostic Index at time of relapse predicted DFS and OS. Altogether, Bu/Cy/VP16 was associated with early TRM;however, late toxicities (including NRM) were uncommon resulting in relatively good survival rates in a high-risk relapsed/refractory NHL population.

Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with Right Atrial Intra Cardiac Metastases

Background: Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most variant of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) and also the most common variant with secondary intracardiac masses. Case summary: 7 years old child presented to emergency with acute decompensated cardiac failure, ascites and tender hepatomegaly. 2D echo evaluation was suggestive of large intracardiac mass in the right atrium almost completely obstructing Tricuspid valve orifice, gross pericardial effusion and dilated Inferior Vena Cava (IVC). Emergency tumor excision surgery was performed which revealed 4 × 4 cm pinkish firm mass arising from anterior Tricuspid annulus which was completely excised. Child was extubated on postoperative day (POD) 0 and was on minimal inotropic support. Ascites reduced significantly on POD1 allowing abdominal palpation which revealed a mass in the epigastric region. This prompted evaluation by pediatrician and oncology workup suggestive of increased 18-Flouro Deoxy Glucose (18-FDG) uptake in the mediastinum, abdomen, bilateral proximal thighs, all mediastinal lymph nodal stations, bilateral lung hilar stations 10R, 10L involving all encasing the heart and great vessels with pleural deposits, Celiac trunk, superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA), Portal vein, IVC and abdominal aorta. Histo pathology Examination (HPE) and Immuno Histo Chemistry (IHC) of intracardiac mass revealed DLBCL which is metastatic in nature. Chemotherapy was started as per (French American British Lymphomes Malins B) FAB LMB-96 protocol with the child currently in the Induction phase having poor prognosis and less survival interval. Conclusion: Surgery can be considered a treatment option for metastatic intracardiac masses during emergency scenarios like cardiogenic shock to relieve obstruction along the pathway of blood flow in the heart even though we may not be able to completely excise the tumor surgically.

Composite diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and classical Hodgkin's lymphoma of the stomach:Case report and literature review

The combination of classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma(cHL)and non-Hodgkin lymphoma coexisting in the same patient is not common,especially in one extranodal location.Here we present a rare case of composite diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)and cHL occurring simultaneously in the stomach of a 53-year-old female who presented with upper abdominal discomfort and gas pain.Surgery was performed and the disease was diagnosed pathologically as composite lymphoma of DLBCL and cHL using hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining.Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)infection was not detected by in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded RNA or immunohistochemistry for EBV latent membrane protein-1.Polymerase chain reaction analysis from the two distinct components of the tumor demonstrated clonal immunoglobulinκlight chain gene rearrangements.The patient died approximately 11 mo after diagnosis in spite of receiving eight courses of the CHOP and two courses of the rituximab-CHOP(RCHOP) chemotherapy regimen.This case report showed that the two distinct components,DLBCL and cHL,appeared to originate from the same clonal progenitor cell,and that EBV infection was not essential for transformation during the course of tumorigenesis.

Low Dose Total Body Irradiation for Relapsed Low Grade Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Experience of National Cancer Institute, Cairo

Background and Purpose: The relapsed low grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (LG-NHL) is currently?incurable disease and the optimal treatment regimen has not determined yet. Low dose total body irradiation (LTBI) provides an alternative mechanism of action against cancer cells rather than direct cell kill. The mode of action of LTBI is immune-modulatory effect, induction of apoptosis and?hypersensitivity to low radiation doses. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of LTBI on relapsed?LG-NHL and reporting our experience at National Cancer Institute, Cairo (NCI, Cairo). Material and Methods: Fifty eight patients with relapsed LG-NHL and received LTBI studied retrospectively.?LTBI dose was 1.6 Gy/8 fractions divided on 2 courses;each course 4 fractions treated over 4 days with 2 weeks rest between the 2 courses. Results: The median age is 54 years;65% of the patients are men. Forty (69%) patients had performance status of 2 or more. Twenty seven patients were stage II/III and 31 patients (53%) had stage IV disease. Twenty six (45%) patients had bulky disease more than 10 cm and 22 (38%) patients had B symptoms at the time of relapse. The?extranodal disease was present in 17 patients (29%) and 78% of the patients received?>3 regimens of chemotherapy before referral to LTBI. Twenty three patients received IFRT (mean dose 32 ± 4 Gy) to initially bulky sites after LTBI. Fourteen patients (24%) achieved complete remission (CR) while 45%, 21% and 10% had partial remission (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD) respectively. The median PFS duration was 14 months and the median OS duration?was 39 months. Stage VI,?>3 regimen of chemotherapy and bad response to LTBI (SD) affected?progression duration adversely (0.03, 0.05 and 0.01 respectively). The response to LTBI is the only factor affected the OS duration significantly. The 3-year PFS was 19% ± 9%, and 3-year OS was 45% ± 8%. Stage IV was the only factor affected the 3-year PFS significantly with p value 0.03. The hematological toxicity was the main side effect of LTBI. Eleven patients developed G3/4 anemia while 8 patients only developed G3/4 thrombocytopenia and 13 patients developed G3/4 leucopenia. Conclusion: The use of LTBI in patients with relapsed low grade NHL is a feasible, effective and tolerable treatment that is worthy of testing in a future with chemotherapy and Rituximab maintenance.

THE ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDY OF NON－HODGKIN＇S LYMPHOMA CELL，CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC AND HAIRY CELL LEUKEMIA

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cell leukemia (NHLCL),chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and hairy cell leukemia (HLC) are the diseases very similar to each other. The differential diagnosis is very difficult,especially when there are small lymphoid cells in Periphcral blood and bone marrow under light microscope. We have observed 34 cases with electron microscope. The studies were correlated with clinical manifestation, cytology, pathology and immunologic histochemistry. Ultrastructural features strongly indicated the difference in three various diseases, although all the immunologic markers showed B-cell type.It is concluded that electron microscopic examination is of a definite significance in the diaguosis and successful treatment.

Therapeutic Efficacy of L-asparaginase in the Treatment of Refractory Midfacial Peripheral T-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Objective: To improve the efficacy of refractory midfacial peripheral T-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (MPTC-NHL) with L-asparaginase (L-ASP) based salvage chemotherapy. Methods: 21 patients with refractory MPTC-NHL were analyzed. 11patients (L-ASP group) received L-asparaginase based salvage chemotherapy consisting of L-asparaginase, vincristine and dexame-thosone. 10 patients (control group) received salvage combination chemotherapy without L-asparaginase. Results: Complete remission rates were 45.6% for L-ASP group and 0.0% for control group (p<0.05). Overall response rates (CR+PR) were 63.6% for L-ASP group and 10.0% for control group, respectively (p<0.05). 2-year survival rates were 45.5% for L-ASP group and 0.0% for control group (p<0.05). The major adverse effects of L-ASP were leukopenia, elevation of serum bilirubin and hyperglycemia. Conclusion: The preliminary clinical study shows that the L-ASP based salvage chemotherapy may improve the response rate and 2-year survival rate of the patients with refractory MPTC-NHL. It is necessary to continue the study further.

Research advances in reactivation of hepatitis virus after chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma-combined hepatitis B virus infection

Infection rate of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in our country remains high. Many patients showed combined HBV infection; the most common blood system disease is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)-combined HBV infection. Drugs used in treating lymphoma may induce different degrees of HBV reactivation. Such condition may lead to hepatic failure or death. Currently, scholars pay increasing attention to reactivation of HBV by rituximab and/or chemotherapy for NHL-combined HBV patients. This study summarizes research advances in this topic, with a view of providing background information for further research.

Germinal-center type B-cell classification and clinical characteristics of Chinese pediatric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma:a report of 76 cases

Pediatric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)is a highly aggressive disease with unique clinical characteristics.This study analyzed the germinal-center type B-cell(GCB)classification and clinical characteristics of Chinese pediatric DLBCL.A total of 76 patients with DLBCL newly diagnosed in Sun Yatsen University Cancer Center between February 2000 and May 2011,with an age younger than 18 years,were included in the analysis.The male/female ratio was 3.47:1.The median age was 12 years(range,2 to 18 years),and 47(61.8%)patients were at least 10 years old.Of the 76 patients,48(63.2%)had stage III/IV disease,9(11.8%)had bone marrow involvement,1(1.3%)had central nervous system(CNS)involvement,and 5(6.6%)had bone involvement.The GCB classification was assessed in 45 patients:26(57.8%)were classified as GCB subtype,and 19(42.2%)were classified as non-GCB subtype.The modified B-NHL-BFM-90/95 regimen was administered to 50 patients,and the 4-year event-free survival(EFS)rate was 85.8%.Among these 50 patients,31 were assessed for the GCB classification:17(54.8%)were classified as GCB subtype,with a 4-year EFS rate of 88.2%;14(45.2%)were classified as non-GCB subtype,with a 4-year EFS rate of 92.9%.Our data indicate that bone marrow involvement and stage III/IV disease are common in Chinese pediatric DLBCL patients,whereas the percentage of patients with the GCB subtype is similar to that of patients with the non-GCB subtype.The modified B-NHL-BFM-90/95protocol is an active and effective treatment protocol for Chinese pediatric patients with DLBCL.

Gastrointestinal B-cell lymphomas:From understanding B-cell physiology to classification and molecular pathology

The gut is the most common extranodal site where lymphomas arise. Although all histological lymphoma types may develop in the gut, small and large B-cell lymphomas predominate. The sometimes unexpected finding of a lymphoid lesion in an endoscopic biopsy of the gut may challenge both the clinician (who is not always familiar with lymphoma pathogenesis) and the pathologist (who will often be hampered in his/her diagnostic skill by the limited amount of available tissue). Moreover, the past 2 decades have spawned an avalanche of new data that encompasses both the function of the reactive B-cell as well as the pathogenic pathways that lead to its neoplastic counterpart, the B-cell lymphoma. Therefore, this review aims to offer clinicians an overview of B-cell lymphomas in the gut, and their pertinent molecular features that have led to new insights regarding lymphomagenesis. It addresses the question as how to incorporate all presently available information on normal and neoplastic B-cell differentiation, and how this knowledge can be applied in daily clinical practice (e.g., diagnostic tools, prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets) to optimalise the managment of this heterogeneous group of neoplasms.

Hepatitis viruses and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: A review

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL) is among the haematological malignancies with high prevalence worldwide, causing estimated 355 900 new cases and 191 400 deaths in 2008. High prevalence of NHL is documented in economically more developed areas while low prevalence is observed in less developed areas of the globe. A wide array of environmental factors have been reported to be either directly involved or in modifying the risk of NHL development. In addition to these factors, a number of infectious agents, chiefly viruses have also been implicated in the development of NHL. This article reviews the available literature to discuss the role of hepatitis viruses in NHL development, possible mechanisms of lymphomagenesis and also identify the areas in which further research is required to better understand this disease. A brief discussion on the clinical aspects such as classification, staging, treatment approaches have also been included in this article.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma arising from follicular lymphoma with warthin’s tumor of the parotid gland-immunophenotypic and genetic features: A case report

BACKGROUND Warthin’s tumor(WT)is composed of several cysts that are lined with tall,bilayered oncocytic columnar cells and lymphoid stroma.Within WT,the two components rarely transform into carcinoma or lymphoma,and when it does,carcinoma is the most common type.Approximately 28 cases of lymphoma with WT have been reported,most of which were non-Hodgkin lymphomas,and only a few cases were Hodgkin lymphomas.In the present report,we studied a case of diffuse large B cell lymphoma(DLBCL)arising from follicular lymphoma(FL)with WT in the parotid gland and its immunophenotypic and genetic features.CASE SUMMARY A 67-year-old man presented with a slowly enlarging right cheek mass for 12 years,and the mass began to change in size over a 2-mo time period.Over time,the patient felt mild local pain and right cheek discomfort.His medical history included a hepatitis B virus infection for 20 years and 30 years of smoking.Gross examination of the excised specimen showed a gray-red and gray-white appearance and a soft texture lobulated external surface neoplasm that measured 9 cm×8 cm×7 cm and was well circumscribed by relative normal parotid gland tissue.In cross section,the cut surfaces of the neoplasm were multicystic and had a homogeneous scaly appearance.A small fluid was discovered in the cyst.Bilateral oxyphilic,cuboidal or polygonal epithelium cells and lymphoid intraparenchymal components were observed.Many medium-to large-sized lymphoid cells were observed diffusely in part of the neoplasm,and a few secondary lymphoid follicles were observed at the center or edge of the neoplasm.Immunohistochemical staining showed that the columnar oncocytic cells were positive for AE1/AE3;neoplastic cells located in coarctate follicular were positive for CD20,Pax-5,bcl-2 and bcl-6;and the adjacent diffusely medium-to large-sized lymphoid cells were positive for Pax-5,bcl-6,CD20,MUM-1,bcl-2 and CD79a.The bcl-6(3q27)break-apart rearrangement was observed,and an Epstein Barr virus test was negative in the tumor cells.The patient survived 6 months after being diagnosed without any treatment.CONCLUSION WT-associated lymphoma is a very rare neoplasm in the parotid gland.Most cases are B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas and involve middle-age and older males.This case highlights the extremely rare association of DLBCL arising from FL with WT and the importance of deliberate evaluation of the WT intraparenchymal stroma.Molecular detection techniques have potential advantages in the diagnosis of lymphoma with WT.

Expression of survivin in Human Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Its Correlation with Proliferation and Angiogenesis

In order to investigate the expression change of survivin in non-Hodgkin lymphoma （NHL） and its possible effects on NHL development, the expression of survivin, Ki-67, caspase3 and FⅧRAg in reactive lymphoid hyperplasia （RH） and NHL was detected by immunohistochemical assay, and apoptosis index （AI） in RH and NHL by TUNEL analysis. The results showed that the expression of survivin is significantly higher in aggressive NHL than in indolent NHL （P〈0.01）, while there was no statistically significant difference between RH and indolent NHL （P〉0.05）. The expres- sion of survivin had a significantly positive correlation with the expression of Ki-67 and FVSRAg （r=0.6495, 0.6635, respectively, both P〈0.01）, and a negative correlation with the expression of caspase3 and AI （r=-0.5820, -0.6013, respectively, P〈0.01）. It was suggested that survivin may contribute to the progression of NHL by playing an important role in promoting cell proliferation, inhibiting cell apoptosis and enlisting angiogenesis. Survivin expression is closely related to malignant grade and therefore may be considered an important prognostic factor of NHL.

Pancreatic T/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma: A case report and review of literature

Primary pancreatic lymphoma(PPL)is an extremely rare form of extranodal malignant lymphoma.The most common histological subtype of PPL is diffuse large B cell lymphoma(DLBCL).In rare cases,PPL can also present as follicular lymphoma,small lymphocytic lymphoma,and T cell lymphoma either of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.T-cell/histiocyterich large B-cell lymphoma(T/HRBCL)is an uncommon morphologic variant of DLBCL with aggressive clinical course,it is predominantly a nodal disease,but extranodal sites such as bone marrow,liver,and spleen can be involved.Pancreatic involvement of T/HRBCL was not presented before.Herein,we report a 48-year-old male who was hospitalized with complaints of jaundice,dark brown urine,pale stools,and nausea.The radiological evaluation revealed a pancreatic head mass and,following operative biopsy,the tumor was diagnosed as T/HRBCL.The patient achieved remission after six cycles of CHOP chemotherapy.Therefore,T/HRBCL can be treated similarly to the stage-matched DLBCL and both of them get equivalent outcomes after chemotherapy.

Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography evaluation of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma and treatment response

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell lymphoma(SPTCL) is a very rare variant of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Currently, there is no standard imaging method for staging of SPTCL nor for assessment of treatment response. Here, we describe our use of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT) for staging and monitoring of treatment response in 3 cases of SPTCL. Primary staging by PET/CT showed that all 3 patients had multiple foci in the subcutaneous fat tissue, with SUVmax from 10.5 to 14.6. Involvement of intra-abdominal fat with high SUVmax was identified in 2 of the patients. Use of the triple drug regimen of gemcitabine, cisplatin and methylprednisolone(commonly known as "GEM-P") as first-line therapy or second-line therapy facilitated complete metabolic response for all 3 cases. FDG PET/CT provides valuable information for staging and monitoring of treatment response and can reveal occult involvement of the intraabdominal visceral fat. High FDG uptake on pre-treatment PET can identify patients with aggressive disease and help in selection of first-line therapy.

Case Report: Fever of Unknown Origin <br/>—An Unusual Presentation for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

A 61-year-old male initially presented with fever of unknown origin. He had extensive work-up over two years including an infectious diseases panel, autoimmune studies, and Rheumatology and Hematology evaluations. The patient was initially diagnosed with Adult Still’s disease and underwent an out-patient right nodal fine-needle aspiration that was indeterminate. After continued failure of treatment for Adult Still’s disease, the patient had surgical resection of a right axillary lymph node that yielded the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Further work-up revealed Epstein-Barr virus positivity, the possible trigger behind his mutation for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and its uncommon presentation. The patient met criteria for central nervous system prophylaxis and received multiple administrations throughout his therapy. He ultimately expired following recurrence of his disease at its initial site but without central nervous system involvement. We report an uncommon presentation of a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. This lymphoma can have numerous, vague presentations requiring a broad differential diagnosis and may lead to multiple evaluations prior to an ultimate diagnosis. We will also discuss the need for central nervous system prophylaxis, how this patient is qualified for prophylaxis, and how central nervous system prophylaxis benefits, harms, or does not affect patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.