Leg-type form of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease associated with severe lower extremity chronic venous/lymphatic disease

EJHaem. 2021 Dec 23;3(1):175-179. doi: 10.1002/jha2.353. eCollection 2022 Feb.

Abstract

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is a lymphoproliferative disease of unknown etiology. Deciphering mechanisms involved in CD pathogenesis may help improving patients' care. Six cases of stereotyped sub-diaphragmatic iMCD affecting lower limb-draining areas and associated with severe and often ulcerative lower extremity chronic dermatological condition were identified in our cohort. Pathological examination revealed mixed or plasma-cell type MCD. In three patients, shotgun metagenomics failed to identify any pathogen in involved lymph nodes. Antibiotics had a suspensive effect while rituximab and tocilizumab failed to improve the condition. This novel entity requires a specific approach and exclusion of potentially harmful immunomodulation.

Keywords: Castleman disease; chronic venous disease; lymphedema.