De novo CD5-positive Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Presenting with Leg Edema

Abstract

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common of all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, and is also a heterogeneous disease. Case Description: Here, we report a case of de novo CD5-positive DLBCL of the right iliac, right inguinal, and right femoral with retroperitoneal and peri-esophageal involvement who was diagnosed not only by flow cytometric immunophenotyping but also by immunohistochemistry analyses. Initially, the patient presented with a complaint of progressive right leg edema for 5 months. Although complete remission was achieved after three cycles of immunochemotherapy (rituximab plus CEOP), relapse with a massive right side pleural effusion developed four months later, after a total of six cycles of immunochemotherapy were administered. We also reviewed the clinical manifestations and treatments for the disease, and highlighted the importance of identifying de novo CD5-positive DLBCL from other DLBCL, and of developing proper treatment strategies for this subgroup of patients. Conclusions: In conclusion, de novo CD5-positive DLBCL is a distinct group of DLBCL with aggressive courses of disease progress, with typically worse prognosis than DLBCL.