Intravascular lymphoma associated with haemophagocytic syndrome: a very rare entity in western countries

Eur J Haematol. 2005 Oct;75(4):341-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0609.2005.00519.x.

Abstract

Intravascular lymphoma (IVL) is a rare and aggressive disorder, characterised by frequent cutaneous and neurological involvement and medullary infiltration. In rare cases particularly in Asia, IVL can be associated with haemophagocytic syndrome (IVL-HS). Here, we report the case of a 61-year-old Caucasian female who presented with IVL-HS. Bone marrow biopsy showed haemophagocytic features and medullary localisation of a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Liver biopsy showed exclusive sinusoidal infiltration by large B cells. Treatment by polychemotherapy associated with rituximab induced a rapid complete remission. Unfortunately, death occurred as a consequence of septic shock. Early recognition of IVL-HS by performing bone marrow biopsy is critical to start rapidly appropriate treatment. The role of rituximab in the management of IVL-HS remains to be established.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell / complications*
  • Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell / drug therapy
  • Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma / etiology*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Remission Induction
  • Rituximab
  • Shock, Septic
  • Vascular Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Vascular Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Vascular Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Western World

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Rituximab