Central nervous system marginal zone B-cell lymphoma associated with Chlamydophila psittaci infection

Hum Pathol. 2011 May;42(5):738-42. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2010.08.014. Epub 2011 Jan 15.

Abstract

Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas are linked to bacterial infections that vary according to the anatomical site. The occurrence of these lymphomas in the central nervous system is a very rare event, and the identification of specific bacteria in this setting has not been previously addressed. Herein, we report for the first time a case of primary central nervous system marginal zone B-cell lymphoma involving the choroid plexus associated with Chlamydophila psittaci infection. No concomitant ocular involvement was detected. C psittaci was identified with 3 independent methods, and through immunohistochemistry, it was visualized in the cytoplasm of monocytes/macrophages present within lymphomatous tissues. This observation points toward the opportunity to investigate the prevalence of C psittaci infection in central nervous system lymphomas, particularly in those with low-grade histologic features.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Brain Neoplasms / microbiology*
  • Chlamydophila Infections / complications*
  • Chlamydophila Infections / diagnosis
  • Chlamydophila psittaci* / isolation & purification
  • Choroid Plexus / microbiology*
  • Choroid Plexus / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / microbiology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Staining and Labeling