Plasmablastic lymphoma in the orbit: case report

Orbit. 2008;27(3):227-9. doi: 10.1080/01676830802014150.

Abstract

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare entity most commonly identified in the oral cavity of immunodeficient patients. The immunophenotype of this condition shows a poor expression for B-cell markers but, in contrast, a strong reactivity for well-differentiated plasma cells markers, such as CD138, CD38, and epithelial membrane antigens. PBL survival is limited due to its highly aggressive local and metastatic behavior and poor response to treatment. Although it can involve different organs, there have been only a few cases involving the ocular adnexa. We describe a case of atypical rapidly progressive pre-septal brawny induration affecting the right orbit in a patient with HIV-related lymphoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / methods
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Disease Progression
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphoma, AIDS-Related / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, AIDS-Related / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, AIDS-Related / pathology*
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Immunoblastic / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Immunoblastic / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Immunoblastic / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Orbital Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Orbital Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Orbital Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed