Primary effusion lymphoma: an untrivial differential diagnosis for ascites

Yonsei Med J. 2009 Dec 31;50(6):862-4. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2009.50.6.862. Epub 2009 Dec 18.

Abstract

A primary effusion lymphoma is a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma where serous cavities are involved. That-cause peritoneal, pleural and pericardial effusions without any lymphadenopathy. They affect immunosuppressive patients with human herpes virus-8 being the suspected etiological agent. The prognosis is usually poor despite treatment. Herein, the case of an immunocompetent patient with ascites and pleural effusion diagnosed as primary effusion lymphoma is presented and discuss the case in the light of the current literature.

Keywords: Primary effusion lymphoma; ascites; human herpes virus-8.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ascites / diagnosis*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Primary Effusion / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnosis*