Small Cell Lymphoma of the Gastrocnemius Muscle: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: The primary localization of non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the muscle is rare. Only the biopsy allows the certainty diagnosis. The aim was to report a first case of small cell lymphoma of the gastrocnemius in Mali and to do a review of the literature. Clinical Observation: It was about a 34-year-old woman who consulted 3 months after the onset of symptoms for swelling and pain in the left calf. On clinical examination there was a hard, painful and warm mass in the left calf, with paresthesias in the tibial nerve territory associated with partial functional impotence of the leg. The ultrasound revealed a hyper echogenic and heterogeneous non-vascularized mass of the left gastrocnemius muscle measuring 65 × 45 × 40 mm non-vascularized on color Doppler and pulsed in favor of myositis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) concluded in a well-limited heterogeneous cystic mass in the left gastrocnemius muscle respecting the bone of benign appearance: remodeled Baker’s cyst? Considering the radioclinical unconformity, thoraco-abdominal CT was performed and revealed pulmonary metastasis. The biopsy carried out concluded with a small cell lymphoma of the gastrocnemial muscle. Marginal resection was performed associated with adjuvant chemotherapy. The advancement at 9 months was satisfactory.