2005 Volume 44 Issue 4 Pages 240-244
Background: We report a case of human herpes virus 8-associated primary effusion lymphoma in an elderly HIV-seronegative male, diagnosed through pericardial fluid and pleural effusion analysis.
Case: An HIV-seronegative 82-year-old man was diagnosed as having esophageal cancer 3 years ago, and was treated with local radiation therapy. Pericardial effusion and pleural effusion were detected by chest X-ray images 2 years ago. However, the origin of the pericardial effusion and pleural effusion could not be detected. He was admitted to our hospital with dyspnea and heart failure. Echocardiography Echocardiography and chest X-ray photography showed massive pericardial fluid and pleural effusion. Pericardial and pleural drainages were performed. Cytological findings of the pericardial fluid and pleural effusion showed a large number of atypical lymphocytes, which were large and possessed irregular-formed nuclei with abundant cytoplasm. Multinucleated giant atypical lymphocytes were also found. These atypical lymphocytes were positive for CD20, HHV-8 and negative for CD45RO in immunocytochemical stainings of cytology preparations. The patient was diagnosed as having primary effusion lymphoma from these features.
Conclusion: Primary effusion is predominantly found in HIV-seropositive patients and rarely in HIV-seronegative patients. Immunocytochemical stainings of cytology preparations and cell blocks are useful in the diagnosis of primary effusion lymphoma.
