Major liver resection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in an HIV-positive patient: report of a case

[Primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the liver in HIV infected patient: case-report]

INTRODUCTION

Primary liver non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, are extremely rare in HIV-infected patient. Most of them are diffuse large-cell lymphoma with B cell type.

EXEGESIS

We report here the case of a 34-year-old HIV-infected patient, admitted for jaundice and fever since 15 days. Abdominal computerised tomography showed numerous hypodense lesions on all liver segments. The various biological, microbiological and morphological examinations (ultrasound, MRI with intravenous contrast agent specific for the liver) initially suggested a tumoral origin. The liver biopsy concluded to a large B-cell lymphoma. A chemotherapy (CHOP) with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab) was initiated without discontinuing antiretroviral therapy.

CONCLUSION

This case-report does emphasize on the numerous presentations of primary liver lymphoma in HIV-Infected patient, and we illustrate the interest of MRI using a new intravenous contrast agent critical for differential diagnosis.