Multicentric plasma cell variant Castleman's disease presenting with cutaneous vasculitis and pulmonary parenchymal involvement in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis: case report and review of the literature

Acta Clin Belg. 2011 Jul-Aug;66(4):305-10. doi: 10.2143/ACB.66.4.2062574.

Abstract

We present a case of the multicentric plasma cell variant of Castleman's disease (CD) with two rare manifestations. The patient consulted us because of cutaneous vasculitis of the lower limbs, while constitutional symptoms were nearly absent. Imaging studies also revealed pulmonary parenchymal involvement. Furthermore, our patient is the first case in whom association of ankylosing spondylitis with CD is reported. In addition, we present a review of the literature with emphasis on the clinical presentation of CD and its difficult discrimination from autoimmune and infectious disorders. An overview of the therapeutic options is also provided.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Calcinosis / epidemiology
  • Castleman Disease / diagnosis
  • Castleman Disease / epidemiology*
  • Castleman Disease / pathology*
  • Castleman Disease / physiopathology
  • Castleman Disease / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Omentum / diagnostic imaging
  • Omentum / pathology
  • Pleura / pathology
  • Prognosis
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / epidemiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous / epidemiology*