An aggressive primary orbital natural killer/T-cell lymphoma case: poor response to chemotherapy

Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014 Sep-Oct;30(5):e131-4. doi: 10.1097/IOP.0b013e3182a65026.

Abstract

Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) and its presentation with extranodal orbital involvement as a single lesion are extremely rare. The aim of this article was to describe the presentation, diagnosis, and systemic treatment of a primary orbital NKTCL. A 67-year-old Caucasian woman presented with left exophthalmos, pain, periorbital swelling, and limited extrinsic ocular motility. Orbital cellulitis was suspected, but finally orbital biopsy was performed due to no response to initial antibiotic and anti-inflammatory standard treatment. The pathologic diagnosis was NKTCL. Systemic evaluations were negative. CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) chemotherapy was initiated, but after 2 cycles of treatment, tumoral progression was observed. SMILE (dexamethasone, methotrexate, ifosfamide, L-asparaginase, etoposide) rescue chemotherapy was then administered. Lymphoma progression was inevitable. She died 10 months later. Although more nasal NKTCL cases have been described, the nonnasal primary orbital NKTCL is an uncommon neoplasm with high mortality rate, despite the recent use of more potent chemotherapy regimens.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Exophthalmos / diagnosis
  • Eye Pain / diagnosis
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Lymphoma / pathology
  • Lymphoma, Extranodal NK-T-Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphoma, Extranodal NK-T-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Lymphoma, Extranodal NK-T-Cell / pathology
  • Orbital Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Orbital Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Orbital Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Supplementary concepts

  • Orbital lymphoma