Rare case of a primary non-dural central nervous system low grade B-cell lymphoma and literature review

Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2012;5(1):89-95. Epub 2012 Jan 1.

Abstract

We present a case of a 70-year-old HIV negative man with a five-year history of progressive dysnomia and new onset right extremity numbness, dysarthria, and blurry vision. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an infiltrative enhancing tumor was noted. Follow up brain biopsy results revealed a small lymphocytic infiltrate with scattered plasma cells in a predominantly perivascular growth pattern. Flow-cytometric findings revealed a lambda monotypic B-cell population. The morphology and the flow cytometric findings were consistent with involvement by a low grade B-cell lymphoma. Subsequent positron emission tomography (PET) studies along with bone marrow biopsy and serum protein electrophoresis showed no evidence of systemic disease. The above findings are consistent with involvement by a non-dural extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZBCL) primary to the central nervous system (CNS). This is the first reported case of a primary CNS MZBCL with flow cytometric analysis. A review of literature on this rare entity is also included.

Keywords: Primary Non-Dural Central Nervous System Low grade B-cell lymphoma; extranodal marginal zone lymphoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / pathology*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Grading