Primary multifocal lymphoma of peripheral nervous system: case report and review of the literature

Muscle Nerve. 2014 Dec;50(6):1016-22. doi: 10.1002/mus.24354. Epub 2014 Oct 30.

Abstract

Introduction: Primary lymphomas of peripheral nerves are extremely rare, and only a few cases have been reported.

Methods: We describe the clinical, neurophysiological, radiological, and pathological findings in a 61-year-old woman affected by primary multifocal lymphoma of the peripheral nervous system without systemic involvement.

Results: Fascicular left femoral nerve biopsy was decisive for the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Magnetic resonance imaging, fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography, and nerve ultrasound contributed to the diagnosis.

Conclusions: Primary lymphoma of peripheral nerves (PLPNs) is a rare but potentially treatable condition, which is frequently misdiagnosed. In the literature, there are very few descriptions of PLPNs, most of which are mononeuropathies. The possibility of a neuropathy associated with lymphoma should be considered in patients with poor response to treatment and severe pain symptoms.

Keywords: FDG PET-CT; nerve biopsy; nerve ultrasound; neurolymphomatosis; primary lymphoma of peripheral nerves.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Female
  • Femoral Nerve / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / pathology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / pathology
  • Positron-Emission Tomography