A Rare Case of T-Cell Histiocyte Rich Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Thyroid in a Patient With Hashimotos

Abstract

Introduction: T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (THRLBCL) is a rare form of large B-cell lymphoma, which usually involves the lymph nodes exclusively. We describe a patient with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis who was discovered to have THRLBCL arising from the thyroid. Clinical Case: A 78-year-old female with a history of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis noted increase in the size of her left thyroid lobe for two months despite normal TSH on Levothyroxine, prompting an ultrasound which revealed several enlarged left sided cervical lymph nodes and an enlarged left thyroid gland. Cytology from an FNA of a left level 3 lymph node showed atypical lymphoid infiltrate featuring scattered large atypical cells in a background of small lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical testing was PAX5+, CD30- and CD15-. Cytology from an FNA of left thyroid revealed identical changes and immunohistochemistry demonstrated PAX5+ and CD20+. Concurrent flow cytometric studies demonstrated increased CD4 to CD8 ratio among T cells. Excisional biopsy of a left cervical lymph node confirmed a diagnosis of THRLBCL. PET/CT exhibited lymphadenopathy above her diaphragm and splenic involvement. Her bone marrow biopsy was negative for involvement. She was deemed Stage III with international prognostic index (IPI) of 2 corresponding with low-intermediate risk. She was commenced on chemotherapy R-CHOP with plan to complete 6 cycles. Discussion: THRLBCL is characterized by scattered atypical B lymphocytes on a background of T lymphocytes and histiocytes. Usually, T-cells are predominantly CD8+, in contrast to our patient. Some studies identified cases of predominant CD4+ and PD1+ T cells. Cytology revealed scattered small B-cells and large B-cells, a feature that is not typically seen in THRLBCL. A diagnosis of diffuse transformation of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma was considered but the diffuse proliferation outside of CD21+ and involvement of the thyroid is not compatible with such diagnosis. Similarly, a diagnosis of follicular helper T-cell lymphoma with admixed large B-cells was considered but while PD1+ CD4+ T cells are present, there was no aberrant antigen expression by flow cytometry or T cell clonality. THRLBCL mainly involves lymph nodes and presents at advanced Ann Arbor stages with high IPI. Malignant lymphomas of the thyroid gland are exceedingly rare, accounting for 2% of thyroid cancers, out of which the literature reveals a single case report of THRLBCL arising from the thyroid. THRLBCL represents an aggressive form of lymphoma and is treated according to stage-matched DLBCL, although the effects of Rituximab in this population is variable. Conclusion: Hashimoto’s is considered a risk for thyroid lymphoma usually diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and MALT lymphoma. We present a rare case of THRLBCL occurring in the setting of Hashimoto’s with acute thyroid gland enlargement.