Clinical features of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma: a single-institute retrospective analysis

Abstract

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare form of extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and the absence of specific findings makes ante-mortem diagnosis difficult. This study was conducted to identify the clinical findings useful for timely diagnosis of IVLBCL. Ten patients who were diagnosed with IVLBCL in our institute between 2005 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Eight of the 10 cases had fever and 7 cases presented with respiratory symptoms, including cough, sputum, and dyspnea. Cytopenias were noted in all patients, and serum lactate dehydrogenase levels were elevated in 9 of the 10 patients. Arterial partial pressures of oxygen were <80 mmHg in 6 of the 7 patients examined. Computed tomography scanning detected hepatosplenomegaly and chest abnormalities in 7 and 9 cases, respectively. These results suggest that IVLBCL has a higher frequency of lung involvement than those reported previously. Physicians must therefore be vigilant in the identification of IVLBCL in patients who demonstrate respiratory symptoms or hypoxemia of uncertain origin, because early diagnosis can decrease the severity and prevent mortality.