Magnetic Resonance Imaging-negative, Rituximab-resistant Neurolymphomatosis as a Paradoxical Presentation of Relapsed Primary Adrenal Lymphoma

Intern Med. 2020 Jun 1;59(11):1437-1443. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.4085-19. Epub 2020 Mar 5.

Abstract

Primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) is rare and known to have a predilection for central nervous system (CNS) relapse. A 70-year-old man with a 2-year history of primary aldosteronism presented because of a fever. He was hypotensive, and his adrenal glands were unequivocally enlarged. PAL was diagnosed. Despite showing an initial response to immunochemotherapy, progressive paralysis ensued. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were negative, and rituximab was ineffective. His debilitated condition hindered further chemotherapy. A postmortem examination revealed lymphoma relapse in the systemic peripheral nerves. The sequential presentation of two rare lymphomas implies that PAL might have a predilection for not only the CNS but also peripheral nerves.

Keywords: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; neurolymphomatosis; primary adrenal lymphoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / therapeutic use*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / drug therapy*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy
  • Neurolymphomatosis / diagnosis*
  • Neurolymphomatosis / drug therapy*
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
  • Rituximab