NK/T-cell lymphoma with rash and peripheral neuropathy as the first manifestation: a case report and literature review

Diagn Pathol. 2023 Jan 10;18(1):2. doi: 10.1186/s13000-023-01286-z.

Abstract

Background: Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTCL-NT), is a rare, aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and it usually presents as a destructive sinus mass that may attend epistaxis. However, ENKTCL-NT with the manifestation of peripheral neuropathy is pretty unusual.

Case presentation: A 17-year-old Chinese patient presented with peripheral neuropathy and positive auto-antibodies. However, she failed methylprednisolone pulse therapy and developed hemophagocytic syndrome. The diagnosis of CD30-positive primary cutaneous ENKTCL-NT was confirmed by pathological biopsy. Her disease was brought under control after five cycles of chemotherapy.

Conclusions: The report findings are helpful in the differential diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy and autoimmune disease. We should be alert for the development of ENKTCL-NT when the rash and peripheral neuropathy are the first symptoms and are accompanied by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.

Keywords: CD30 positive; EBV infection; ENKTCL-NT; Hemophagocytic syndrome; Peripheral neuropathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections* / complications
  • Exanthema* / complications
  • Exanthema* / etiology
  • Female
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Extranodal NK-T-Cell* / complications
  • Lymphoma, Extranodal NK-T-Cell* / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, Extranodal NK-T-Cell* / pathology
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* / complications
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* / etiology