Extraocular muscle enlargement: rare presentation of plasmablastic lymphoma

Mridula Jacob,Vijaya Pai H

doi:10.35119/asjoo.v16i4.357

Abstract

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a very rare and highly aggressive variant of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is usually seen in the oral cavity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-affected individuals. Very few cases of PBL are reported in the orbit till date. Morphologically and immunologically, it can mimic plasma cell myeloma. It is highly fatal and poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the treating clinician. This scenario makes reporting of such rare tumors more relevant. We report a rare case of PBL of the orbit in a 49-year-old HIV-positive lady who presented with acute onset of painful proptosis and loss of vision in her left eye.

Highlights

Orbital lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that can involve the conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, eyelid, or extraocular muscles.[1]
It can be a primary lymphoma when it arises from the orbital tissues itself or a secondary lymphoma when there is a metastatic spread from an extraorbital site
A 49-year-old immunocompromised female patient presented with an acute onset of painful proptosis of the left eye associated with loss of vision of 7 days duration

Summary

Introduction

Orbital lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that can involve the conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, eyelid, or extraocular muscles.[1] It can be a primary lymphoma when it arises from the orbital tissues itself or a secondary lymphoma when there is a metastatic spread from an extraorbital site. Orbital lymphomas are very rare and form about 1% of all NHL and 55% of all primary orbital tumors.[2,3] It is more commonly seen in immunocompromised patients. There are case reports of orbital lymphoma in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative otherwise healthy individuals .[3] Majority of the cases are extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type.[3] Here, we are reporting a very rare, fatal variant of orbital lymphoma plasmablastic type, which is usually seen in the oral cavity of HIV-positive individuals.[4]

Case description

Rare presentation of plasmablastic lymphoma

Discussion

Findings

Article authors