Primary central nervous system gamma delta cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma

Abstract

Primary T-cell lymphomas of the central nervous system (CNS) are uncommon, but aggressive and increasing in incidence. We describe a rare case of T-cell lymphoma in a cerebellar location, to our knowledge the first reported case demonstrating gamma/delta receptor expression. Additionally, we elaborate on key diagnostic features and review all nine patients with primary CNS lymphoma of cytotoxic T-cell phenotype reported in the literature. A 26-year-old female medical student presented with a 6week history of nausea, vomiting and dizziness. MRI revealed a 2cm cerebellar mass. The tumor was subtotally resected, and pathologic examination of a subtotal resection specimen demonstrated peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, with a gamma/delta cytotoxic T-cell phenotype. She subsequently started high dose methotrexate and cytarabine. We report a unique case of primary CNS gamma delta CD8+ T-cell lymphoma lineage in a young female patient. While these are rare entities, it is an important differential diagnosis to consider. Therapy should be tailored to the patient, and involves resection with adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy or autologous stem-cell based treatments.