Imaging features of primary extranodal lymphomas

Coexpression of PD-L1/PD-1 with CXCR3/CD36 and IL-19 Increase in Extranodal Lymphoma

Many studies have demonstrated that PD-L1/PD-1 signaling is an immune evasion mechanism in tumors. PD-L1/PD-1 coexpression with CXCR3/CD36 in peripheral lymphocytes in lymphoma still needs to be clarified. The current study investigated PD-L1/PD-1 coexpression with CXCR3/CD36 in circulating lymphocytes, serum IL-19 levels, and their correlation with clinical outcome and extranodal involvement in lymphoma. Subjects and Methods. The coexpression of PD-L1/PD-1 with CXCR3/CD36 on circulating lymphocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry in 78 lymphoma patients before and after therapy and in 50 healthy controls. The concentration levels of IL-19 in serum were assessed by an ELISA. Results. PD-L1 and PD-1 were expressed on circulating CXCR3+ and CD36+ lymphocytes in lymphoma and were significantly higher in patients with extranodal involvement than in lymphoma patients without extranodal involvement (P < 0.001). Elevated IL-19 levels were observed in lymphoma patients and increased significantly in extranodal involvement (P < 0.001). High percentages of PD-L1+CXCR3+ and PD-1+CXCR3+ lymphocytes were associated with high LDH levels, hepatomegaly, lymphedema, advanced tumor stage, and recurrence. Furthermore, patients with splenomegaly and generalized lymphadenopathy had high percentages of PD-L1+CXCR3+ lymphocytes. In addition, levels of PD-L1/PD-1 coexpression with CXCR3 and IL-19 were significantly associated with bone marrow, lung, and lymph vessel involvement. Further analysis revealed that high percentages of PD-L1+CD36+ and PD-1+CD36+ lymphocytes were associated with lung and bone marrow involvement. Patients with high levels of PD-L1/PD-1 coexpression with CXCR3 and IL-19 had inferior event-free survival (EFS) compared with that in lymphoma patients with low levels. EFS was decreased in patients with high percentages of PD-L1+CD36+ and PD-1+CD36+ lymphocytes. When using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the superiority of IL-19 (area under the curve (AUC): 0.993) and PD-L1+CXCR3+% (AUC: 0.961) to PD-1+CXCR3+% (AUC: 0.805), PD-L1+CD36+% (AUC: 0.694), and PD-1+CD36+% (AUC 0.769) was evident in the diagnosis of extranodal involvement, identifying lymphoma patients with extranodal involvement from patients without extranodal involvement. Conclusions. Coexpression of PD-L1/PD-1 with CXCR3/CD36 in circulating lymphocytes and serum IL-19 levels contributes to poor prognosis and might be potential markers for extranodal involvement in lymphoma.

Utility of F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography in Primary Thyroid Lymphoma

Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is an uncommon malignancy. The majority of PTLs are non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) is the state-of-the-art imaging in lymphoma and plays a pivotal role in staging, follow-up, and treatment decisions. There is good evidence that it performs well in a wide variety of nodal and extranodal lymphomas (ENL). However, the data are scarce on its usefulness in rare ENL. Herein, we describe four cases of PTLs and a brief review of the literature. FDG PET/CT was performed at baseline to assess the disease status and response to treatment. This case series highlights the varied appearance of PTL and response to treatment. It establishes the importance of FDG PET/CT in the personalized management of PTL.

Chest Wall Mass as the Dominant Presentation of Low-Grade B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A Case Report

Low-grade B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with dominant presentation of chest wall mass is presented in this report. The patient, a 65-year-old woman, presented with pain, rising skin temperature and redness, and swelling on the right lower chest wall. The histopathological examination revealed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; the staging fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography demonstrated stage IVE disease, with hypermetabolic active disease in the right anterolateral chest wall in the form of large soft tissue mass and subcutaneous tissue with underlying bony erosion with extension into right anterior cardiophrenic space and superiorly up to right second costosternal region along the right internal mammary vessels. This was along with hypermetabolic active right axillary, right supraclavicular and left inguinal lymphadenopathy, and thickened hypermetabolic posterior right pleura with ametabolic right-sided pleural effusion. Bone marrow biopsy revealed uninvolved bone marrow. On follow-up after eight cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy, the mass had completely resolved on contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

Tumors of the Acromion Process—A Pictorial Review

Introduction  Acromion is essential for stabilizing the shoulder complex. Tumors of the acromion are rare. We report the largest series of acromion tumor and tumor-like lesion.

Materials and Methods  A retrospective review of the oncology and radiology database within our tertiary center for orthopaedic oncology was performed to identify all tumors of the acromion over the past 30 years and imaging was reviewed.

Results  We identified a total of 31 lesions arising in the acromion and chondrosarcoma was the commonest.

Conclusion  One needs to be aware of tumor and tumor-like lesions of acromion.

FDG PET/CT Showing a Primary Lymphoma of the Sternoclavicular Joint

ABSTRACT

We presented a case of primary lymphoma of the sternoclavicular joint. A 67-year-old woman with a history of swelling at the sternoclavicular joint region was considered as osteoarthritis initially. Chest CT found a soft tissue mass around the sternoclavicular joint. Biopsy demonstrated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The subsequent FDG PET/CT revealed FDG-avid articular destruction with surrounding soft tissue mass without any other abnormal findings, suggesting a primary extranodal lymphoma of sternoclavicular joint.

Simultaneous occurrence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: case report and literature review

Background

Patients with lymphoma are at risk for developing pulmonary opportunistic infections due to immunocompromise. However, clinical reports of concurrent lymphoma and opportunistic infection at presentation are rare and often confined to single cases. A delayed diagnosis of either opportunistic infection or lymphoma usually occurs in this complex situation. Here, we report such a case and analyse 18 similar cases searched in the PubMed database to deepen clinicians’ understanding.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of fever, cough and emaciation. High-resolution computed tomography revealed bilateral cavitating lesions of different sizes. Aspergillus fumigatus complex was identified from a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid culture. However, antifungal treatment combined with multiple rounds of antibacterial therapy was unsuccessful, and the patient’s lung lesions continued to deteriorate. Multiple puncture biopsies finally confirmed the coexistence of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Despite the initiation of combination chemotherapy, the patient died of progressive respiratory failure.

Conclusions

Synchronous pulmonary lymphoma and simultaneous opportunistic infection is rare and usually lacks specific clinical and imaging manifestations. Lymphoma should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of patients with an opportunistic infection when treatment fails or other symptoms are present that could be considered “atypical” for the condition. Tissue biopsy is the gold standard, and multiple biopsies are essential for making the final diagnosis and should be performed upon early suspicion.

Pulmonary MALT Lymphoma has variable features on CT

Pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is the most common primary pulmonary lymphoma. There are limited studies on imaging features of pulmonary MALT lymphoma. We present the computed tomography (CT) manifestations of pulmonary MALT lymphoma and the correlation between CT manifestations and clinical characteristics. Patients (n = 53) with histologically confirmed pulmonary MALT lymphoma who underwent chest CT scanning were retrospectively analyzed. Evaluated findings included distribution of pulmonary lesions, morphological pattern of appearance, contrast enhancement features, size, presence of thoracic lymphadenopathy, and secondary associated features. Pulmonary MALT lymphoma was observed in multiple (79%) and bilateral (66%) disease with random distribution (≥70%) of pulmonary lesions. The most frequent morphological pattern was consolidation (n = 33, 62%), followed by nodule (n = 23, 43%) and mass (n = 11, 21%). Common associated features were air bronchograms and bronchiectasis, especially cystic bronchiectasis and angiogram sign. Asymptomatic patients had less consolidation and bronchiectasis than did symptomatic patients. Cystic bronchiectasis was only observed in the symptomatic group. In conclusion, pulmonary MALT lymphoma manifests as diverse patterns on CT scans. Consolidation combined with cystic bronchiectasis was a characteristic late sign, which may assist in differential diagnosis. High-resolution CT images and multiplanar reconstruction techniques are helpful for accurately determining imaging manifestations.

18F-FDG PET/CT Findings of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Involving the Whole Genitourinary System

A sixty-two-year-old male patient underwent orchiectomy and was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the testicle and spermatic cord. ¹⁸F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanning was performed for initial staging. ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scan revealed multiple hyper-metabolic lymphadenopathies, lung lesions and mass lesions in the adrenal glands and kidneys. In addition, diffuse increased ¹⁸F-FDG uptake suggesting lymphomatous infiltration on the right testicle, prostate and left testicular veins were detected. The genitourinary system involvement is extremely rare in extra-nodal lymphomas and to the best of our knowledge this is the first case in the literature having ¹⁸F-FDG accumulating lesions in all genitourinary system structures.

Nonepithelial Neoplasms of the Pancreas, Part 2: Malignant Tumors and Tumors of Uncertain Malignant Potential From the Radiologic Pathology Archives

Almost all neoplasms of the pancreas are derived from pancreatic epithelial components, including the most common pancreatic mass, primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Nonepithelial neoplasms comprise only 1%-2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. Although some may arise directly from intrapancreatic elements, many originate from mesenchymal, hematopoietic, or neural elements in the retroperitoneal peripancreatic space and grow into the pancreas. Once these tumors reach a certain size, it can be challenging to identify their origin. Because these manifest at imaging as intrapancreatic masses, awareness of the existence and characteristic features of these nonepithelial neoplasms is crucial for the practicing radiologist in differentiating these tumors from primary epithelial pancreatic tumors, an important distinction given the vastly different management and prognosis. In part 1 of this article, the authors reviewed benign nonepithelial neoplasms of the pancreas. This article focuses on malignant nonepithelial neoplasms and those of uncertain malignant potential that can be seen in the pancreas. The most common malignant or potentially malignant nonepithelial pancreatic tumors are of mesenchymal origin and include soft-tissue sarcomas, solitary fibrous tumor, and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. These tumors commonly manifest as large heterogeneous masses, often containing areas of necrosis and hemorrhage. The clinical features associated with these tumors and the imaging characteristics including enhancement patterns and the presence of fat or calcification help distinguish these tumors from PDAC. Hematopoietic tumors, including lymphoma and extramedullary plasmacytoma, can manifest as isolated pancreatic involvement or secondarily involve the pancreas as widespread disease. Hyperenhancing paragangliomas or hypervascular metastatic disease can mimic primary pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors or vascular anomalies.

Unilateral Primary Adrenal Lymphoma: Uncommon Presentation of a Rare Disease Evaluated Using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography

Primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) is a relatively rare disease entity with only fewer than 200 cases reported till date. PAL frequently presents with bilateral adrenal involvement and shows male preponderance. We here present a case of PAL in a 65-year-old female with a relatively uncommon unilateral adrenal involvement. The present case depicts that ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography had decisive role in the treatment management of this patient suggesting its potential utility in the management of this rare disease.

Significance of imaging and clinical features in the differentiation between primary and secondary pulmonary lymphoma

The aim of the present study was to analyze the differences in imaging and clinical features between primary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL) and secondary pulmonary lymphoma (SPL) to provide insight into pulmonary lymphoma for an improved clinical diagnosis. A retrospective study of 38 patients with pulmonary lymphoma (19 PPL and 19 SPL) treated between September 1, 2006, and December 31, 2015, was performed. The clinical manifestations, and computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography-CT images of each case were collected. χ² and Fisher's exact tests were applied to assess statistically significant differences between PPL and SPL in terms of clinical and imaging features. The significant variables were further applied to canonical discriminate analysis. The CT results revealed that the occurrence of a >3-cm mass (P=0.007), peripheral location (lower than the segmental bronchi) (P=0.027), cavitation (P=0.008) and consolidation (P=0.027) were associated with PPL, while peripheral and hilar location (P=0.003) or mediastinal and hilar lymph node engagement (P=0.044) were predominantly observed in SPL. However, no significant differences between clinical manifestations and the maximum standard uptake value of pulmonary lesions in PPL and SPL were identified (all P>0.05). A function derived from discriminate analysis was generated that may predict the affiliation to PPL or SPL radiographically, with an overall accuracy of ≤92.1%. The results of the present study revealed that PPL and SPL exhibit distinctive features on CT images due to distinct molecular mechanisms and growth patterns. Careful observation of CT features may be useful in the diagnosis of PPL and SPL regarding the tumor morphology, location and lymph node involvement.

Spectrum of CT Findings in Thoracic Extranodal Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) frequently manifests in extranodal structures in the chest, often in the form of secondary involvement but occasionally as primary disease. Because staging and treatment are affected by the presence of extranodal disease at imaging, radiologists' interpretation and management of suspicious findings are critical to patient care. Unfortunately, owing to considerable imaging overlap with other diseases, primary extranodal lymphoma is difficult to diagnose with imaging alone. Radiologists should have a heightened degree of suspicion in patients at risk (including patients with immune compromise, autoimmune diseases, or a history of stem cell or solid organ transplant) or with particular imaging appearances (including the vertebral wraparound sign, nonresolving consolidation, an infiltrative soft-tissue mass, and lesions demonstrating vascular encasement without invasion). For patients with known NHL, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using fluorine 18 (¹⁸F)-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is now preferred for routine staging in most cases. CT remains heavily used, and identification of subtle extranodal involvement with CT can be improved with use of intravenous contrast material and careful review of multiplanar images. Pericardial effusion, pleural soft tissue (even when mild), mass-like consolidation, perilymphatic nodularity, and new lytic bone lesions are particularly suggestive of secondary involvement in a patient with known NHL. Magnetic resonance imaging is a helpful problem-solving tool when equivocal findings would change staging and treatment. This comprehensive review illustrates the spectrum of CT manifestations of extranodal NHL in the chest, including the pleura, lung, airways, heart, pericardium, esophagus, chest wall, and breast. ^©RSNA, 2017.

Imaging of Extranodal Genitourinary Lymphoma

The genitourinary (GU) system is commonly affected by disseminated lymphoma. Rarely, lymphoma can originate from and remain localized to one of the GU organs and thus presents as primary extranodal disease. Up to 40% of lymphomas present as extranodal disease, with only 3% having the GU system as the primary site of involvement. This article describes and correlates the radiologic and pathologic features of extranodal lymphomatous disease affecting the GU system with specific focus on the kidneys, adrenal glands, testicles, and ovaries. Lymphoma of the uterine body and cervix, external female genitalia, urinary bladder, and prostate gland is briefly discussed.

Renal Masses Detected on FDG PET/CT in Patients With Lymphoma: Imaging Features Differentiating Primary Renal Cell Carcinomas From Renal Lymphomatous Involvement

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to analyze the ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT features of solid renal masses detected in patients with lymphoma and to evaluate the ability of PET/CT to differentiate renal cell carcinoma (RCC) from renal lymphomatous involvement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six patients with solid renal masses on PET/CT performed for staging or follow-up of lymphoma were evaluated retrospectively. The features recorded for each renal mass included the following standardized uptake values (SUVs) on PET/CT: the maximum SUV (SUV_max), the mean SUV (SUV_mean), the ratio of the SUV_max of the tumor to that of the normal kidney cortex, the ratio of the SUV_mean of the tumor to that of the normal kidney cortex, the ratio of the SUV_max of the tumor to that of the normal liver, and the ratio of the SUVmean of the tumor to that of the normal liver. Renal mass size and margins (well defined vs infiltrative) and the presence of calcifications were evaluated on CT. Renal biopsy results were used as the reference standard. Relationships between imaging parameters and histopathologic findings were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 36 renal masses evaluated, 22 (61.1%) were RCCs and 14 (38.9%) were renal lymphomas. All SUV metrics were higher for renal lymphomas than for RCCs (p < 0.0001, for all). All renal lymphomas had an SUV_max higher than 5.98 g/mL (median, 10.99 g/mL), whereas all RCCs had an SUV_max lower than 5.26 g/mL (median, 2.91 g/mL). No statistically significant differences in mass size or margins were found between RCCs and renal lymphoma.

CONCLUSION

PET/CT features may be useful for differentiating RCCs from renal involvement in patients with lymphoma with solid renal masses.

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography comparison of gastric lymphoma and gastric carcinoma

AIM

To compare ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) features in gastric lymphoma and gastric carcinoma.

METHODS

Patients with newly diagnosed gastric lymphoma or gastric carcinoma who underwent ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT prior to treatment were included in this study. We reviewed and analyzed the PET/CT features of gastric wall lesions, including FDG avidity, pattern (focal/diffuse), and intensity [maximal standard uptake value: (SUVmax)]. The correlation of SUVmax with gastric clinicopathological variables was investigated by χ² test, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the differential diagnostic value of SUVmax-associated parameters in gastric lymphoma and gastric carcinoma.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients with gastric lymphoma and 73 with gastric carcinoma were included in this study. Abnormal gastric FDG accumulation was found in 49 patients (94.23%) with gastric lymphoma and 65 patients (89.04%) with gastric carcinoma. Gastric lymphoma patients predominantly presented with type I and type II lesions, whereas gastric carcinoma patients mainly had type III lesions. The SUVmax (13.39 ± 9.24 vs 8.35 ± 5.80, P < 0.001) and SUVmax/THKmax (maximal thickness) (7.96 ± 4.02 vs 4.88 ± 3.32, P < 0.001) were both higher in patients with gastric lymphoma compared with gastric carcinoma. ROC curve analysis suggested a better performance of SUVmax/THKmax in the evaluation of gastric lesions between gastric lymphoma and gastric carcinoma in comparison with that of SUVmax alone.

CONCLUSION

PET/CT features differ between gastric lymphoma and carcinoma, which can improve PET/CT evaluation of gastric wall lesions and help differentiate gastric lymphoma from gastric carcinoma.

Imaging for Staging and Response Assessment in Lymphoma

Lymphoma comprises a heterogeneous group of diseases; remarkable advances have been made in diagnosis and treatment. Diagnostic imaging provides important information for staging and response assessment in patients with lymphoma. Over the years, staging systems have been refined, and dedicated criteria have been developed for evaluating response to therapy with both computed tomography (CT) and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)/CT. The most recent system proposed for staging and response assessment, known as the Lugano classification, applies to both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The use of standardized criteria for staging and response assessment is important for making accurate treatment decisions and for determining the direction of further research. This review provides an overview of the updated CT and PET response criteria to familiarize the radiologist with the most important and clinically relevant aspects of lymphoma imaging. It also provides a short clinical update on lymphoma and the associated spectrum of imaging findings.

FDG PET-CT Finding in Bilateral Renal and Bone Involvement of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Thirty-six year old male patient with pathological fracture of the left tibia underwent intramedullary and soft tissue curettage. The histopathological examination revealed diffuse large B cell lymphoma. The patient underwent F18-FDG PET-CT scanning for initial staging. FDG PET-CT scan revealed hypermetabolic lesions at the left tibia and in bilateral kidneys. After the systemic chemotherapy and local radiotherapy to the tibia, repeated FDG PET/CT scan showed improvement of the previous hypermetabolic lesions, suggesting good response to therapy. Bone and renal involvement is an uncommon variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and FDG PET-CT is an useful whole body imaging modality in these cases.

Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT for extranodal staging of non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the role of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT) involving care-dose unenhanced CT to detect extranodal involvement in patients with non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lymphoma patients (35 Hodgkin lymphoma, 75 non-Hodgkin lymphoma) who were referred for 18F-FDG PET-CT imaging, following a diagnostic contrast-enhanced CT (CE-CT) performed within the last month, were included in our study. A total of 129 PET-CT images, and all radiologic, clinical, and pathological records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

In total, 137 hypermetabolic extranodal infiltration sites were detected by 18F-FDG PET-CT in 62 of 110 patients. There were no positive findings by CE-CT that reflected organ involvement in 40 of 137 18F-FDG-positive sites. The κ statistics revealed fair agreement between PET-CT and CE-CT for the detection of extranodal involvement (κ=0.60). The organs showing a disagreement between the two modalities were the spleen, bone marrow, bone, and thyroid and prostate glands. In all lesions that were negative at CE-CT, there was a diffuse 18F-FDG uptake pattern in the PET-CT images. The frequency of extranodal involvement was 51% and 58% in Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients, respectively. There was a high positive correlation between the maximum standardized uptake values of the highest 18F-FDG-accumulating lymph nodes and extranodal sites (r=0.67) in patients with nodal and extranodal involvement.

CONCLUSION

18F-FDG PET-CT is a more effective technique than CE-CT for the evaluation of extranodal involvement in Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients. PET-CT has a significant advantage for the diagnosis of diffusely infiltrating organs without mass lesions or contrast enhancement compared to CE-CT.

Primary lymphomas of the female genital tract: imaging findings

Primary lymphomas of the female genital tract are extremely rare, and a definitive diagnosis requires correlation of the clinical, radiological, and pathological findings. Unlike nonlymphomatous malignant tumors, the treatment of lymphoma is typically nonsurgical, thus raising the possibility of lymphoma in the differential diagnosis of a pelvic mass, a radiologist can significantly change the approach to the disease. Although some imaging findings may appear nonspecific, others may suggest the possibility of lymphoma, such as the presence of one or more solid, well-defined, homogeneous masses without necrosis despite a large size or the presence of diffuse infiltration leading to organomegaly with architectural preservation. Additionally, pelvic lymphadenopathy may be evident. In this pictorial essay, we discuss the radiological appearances of gynecological primary lymphomas, grouped by organ, in ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

A Case Report of Primary Extranodal Non-hodgkin Lymphoma First Presentation as a Soft Tissue Swelling Around the Wrist

Introduction:

Primary musculoskeletal extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare presentation and account for 5% of all primary extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Treatment uses a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy with good prognosis in unifocal manifestation. We report an unusual case of primary musculoskeletal extranodal lymphoma presenting as a soft tissue swelling around the wrist.

Case Report:

A 75 year old lady was referred to the Orthopaedic Outpatients Department with a painless, slowly growing mass on the dorsum of the right wrist. Clinical examination revealed a 6 X 9 cm round painless mass on the dorsum of the distal radius adherent to both the underlying structures and skin. MRI of the wrist showed a large mass causing extensive osteolysis of the distal radius and extending proximally with abnormal replacement of the marrow. The patient was brought to theatre for biopsy and subsequent histopathological examination confirmed a B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The patient was referred to the Haematology Service for further treatment and follow-up. She received chemotherapy and radiotherapy with satisfactory results.

Conclusion:

Lymphoma presenting as a soft tissue mass is relatively uncommon and can easily be confused with a wide variety of inflammatory conditions, more common neoplasias as well as infectious diseases (tuberculosis). Though rare, extranodal lymphoma should be regularly included in the differential diagnosis of mass lesions.

Extranodal lymphoma originating in the gluteal muscle with adjacent bone involvement and mimicking a soft tissue sarcoma

Introduction

Extranodal lymphoma (ENL) in the muscles is a rare manifestation of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The aim of this case report is to describe and evaluate the clinical presentation and important radiologic features of ENL affecting the musculoskeletal system.

Presentation of case

We present a 52-year-old female with a 3-week history of left gluteal pain. Computed tomography (CT) showed a non-uniformly early enhancing mass in the left gluteal muscle, the tumor demonstrating central necrosis and adjacent bone involvement. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET)/CT showed areas of increased ¹⁸F-FDG uptake in the left gluteal musculature, pelvic bones, para-aortic and mediastinal lymph nodes and both lungs. Histopathological examination showed a diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). After 8 cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy, the mass in the left gluteal muscle has completely disappeared

Discussion

Although destructive tumor originating in the gluteal muscle with adjacent bone involvement is more common in soft tissue sarcoma, lymphoma should be regularly included in the differential diagnosis. While CT is a useful modality for assessing soft tissue masses, disruption and injury of the surrounding tissues, PET/CT fusion is superior for the detection of unexpected extranodal sites of disease, or for exclusion of disease in the presence of nonspecific extranodal CT findings.

Conclusion

A rapid growth pattern and destructive masses that invade adjacent structures on CT are key findings of DLBCL, and ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT is a useful imaging modality to accurately determine the disease stage and disease aggressiveness of NHL.

Primary pulmonary lymphoma and cutaneous metastasis: a case report

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, representing nearly one-third of all cases. Any organ can be involved, making a diagnostic biopsy imperative. When the lungs are the involved organs, it is called primary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL). Hereby, we present a case of PPL that demonstrated a single large mass on chest CT and had metastatic skin lesions. The diagnosis of PPL was performed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry staining of the transthoracic lung biopsy and skin lesion specimens. This case highlighted an unusual and subtle clinical presentation, and the importance of new onset pulmonary symptoms and a large lung mass on chest X-ray. Review of the literature on the patient`s radiographic presentation revealed various findings, the most common of which were single or multiple nodular lesions in one or two lungs. It highlighted the fact that this diagnosis should be considered in all cases with a lung mass and skin lesions.

Endobronchial involvement in non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma generally affects the thorax in nearly half of the cases, but endobronchial non-Hodgkin lymphoma is rare. A 65-year-old man presented with refractory cough and progressive dyspnea on exertion of 2 months' duration. The patient denied fever, weight loss, or night sweats. A chest x-ray revealed bilateral lower lobe infiltrates. A computed tomography scan of the chest revealed large matted mediastinal lymph nodes without clear margination. Bronchoscopic examination revealed bilateral endobronchial diffuse nodular lesions. Bronchial mucosal biopsy demonstrated B-cell lymphoma. The patient was treated with R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) regimen with near-total resolution of endobronchial and parenchymal lesions.

Indolent Breast Lymphomas: A Case Series and Review of Literature

Indolent breast lymphomas (IBL) are a rare form of extranodal lymphoma. There are very few reported cases of IBL presenting as a breast mass. We report two cases of IBL, a Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL) and a Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL), which were discovered on routine mammogram and later confirmed by biopsy and flow cytometery. Patient with MZL underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy whereas patient with SLL was treated with chemotherapy alone.

Head and neck lymphomas--diagnostic difficulties

Malignant lymphomas represent approximately 5% of all malignant neoplasm of the head and neck and may involve nodal or extranodal sites. The head and neck region is the second most frequent anatomical site of extranodal lymphomas (after the gastrointestinal tract). Most are non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) of B-cell lineage. Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) rarely occurs in extranodal site. THE AIM OF THE STUDY was to evaluate head and neck manifestation of lymphoma (both HL and NHL) and emphasize diagnostic difficulties of these pathologies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective review of medical records of patients diagnosed for lymphomas in our department was performed. Authors analyzed demographic data as well as clinical manifestation and diagnostic trials.

RESULTS

9 patients were included to the study. 7 of them suffered from extranodal NHL and 2 of them from HL (one patient--extranodal and one nodal manifestation). There were diagnostic complications in all cases and final diagnosis was made after surgical material analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This data demonstrate low sensivity of fine needle aspiration for identification of lymphoma as well as clinical picture is non characteristic.

18-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in the Management of Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's B-Cell Lymphoma

18-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET/CT) is an established imaging modality that has been proven to be of benefit in the management of aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and advanced stage follicular lymphoma. The combination of anatomic and functional imaging afforded by FDG-PET/CT has led to superior sensitivity and specificity in the primary staging, restaging, and assessment of response to treatment of hematological malignancies when compared to FDG-PET and CT alone. The use of FDG-PET/CT for posttreatment surveillance imaging remains controversial, and further study is needed to ascertain whether this modality is cost effective and appropriate for use in this setting.

Imaging of extranodal lymphoma with PET/CT

Hodgkin disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) represent a spectrum of malignant neoplasms arising from the lymphoid system with an incidence of around 8% of all malignancies. Although they are generally known as tumors of lymph nodes, 25% to 40% of HD/NHL tumors, especially NHL, arise at extranodal sites along the gastrointestinal tract, head and neck, orbit, central and peripheral nervous system, thorax, bone, skin, breast, testis, thyroid, and genitourinary tract. Extranodal involvement is an important pretreatment prognostic factor for patients with lymphoma and its incidence has increased in the past 2 decades. Imaging plays an important role in the noninvasive pretreatment assessment of patients with extranodal lymphoma. This involvement can be subtle and may be overlooked during computed tomography (CT). Positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) has evolved into an important imaging tool for evaluation of lymphomas, facilitating the detection of affected extranodal sites even when CT shows subtle or no obvious lesions. Familiarity with extranodal manifestations and suggestive PET/CT features in different sites is important for accurate evaluation of lymphoma. This article reviews the extranodal PET/CT imaging findings regarding HD and NHL.

Early-stage primary bone lymphoma: a retrospective, multicenter Rare Cancer Network (RCN) Study

PURPOSE

Primary bone lymphoma (PBL) represents less than 1% of all malignant lymphomas. In this study, we assessed the disease profile, outcome, and prognostic factors in patients with Stages I and II PBL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirteen Rare Cancer Network (RCN) institutions enrolled 116 consecutive patients with PBL treated between 1987 and 2008 in this study. Eighty-seven patients underwent chemoradiotherapy (CXRT) without (78) or with (9) surgery, 15 radiotherapy (RT) without (13) or with (2) surgery, and 14 chemotherapy (CXT) without (9) or with (5) surgery. Median RT dose was 40 Gy (range, 4-60). The median number of CXT cycles was six (range, 2-8). Median follow-up was 41 months (range, 6-242).

RESULTS

The overall response rate at the end of treatment was 91% (complete response [CR] 74%, partial response [PR] 17%). Local recurrence or progression was observed in 12 (10%) patients and systemic recurrence in 17 (15%). The 5-year overall survival (OS), lymphoma-specific survival (LSS), and local control (LC) were 76%, 78%, and 92%, respectively. In univariate analyses (log-rank test), favorable prognostic factors for OS and LSS were International Prognostic Index (IPI) score ≤1 (p = 0.009), high-grade histology (p = 0.04), CXRT (p = 0.05), CXT (p = 0.0004), CR (p < 0.0001), and RT dose >40 Gy (p = 0.005). For LC, only CR and Stage I were favorable factors. In multivariate analysis, IPI score, RT dose, CR, and CXT were independently influencing the outcome (OS and LSS). CR was the only predicting factor for LC.

CONCLUSION

This large multicenter retrospective study confirms the good prognosis of early-stage PBL treated with combined CXRT. An adequate dose of RT and complete CXT regime were associated with better outcome.

Extranodal lymphoma from head to toe: part 2, the trunk and extremities

OBJECTIVE

Lymphoma can affect virtually every tissue in the body, producing a variety of imaging appearances. In this article, the extranodal manifestations of this disease in the trunk and extremities are illustrated and the imaging features that aid in the diagnosis are reviewed.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of the imaging appearances of extranodal lymphoma can aid the differential diagnosis of mass lesions encountered in tissues throughout the body on different imaging modalities.

Adrenocortical carcinoma: the range of appearances on CT and MRI

OBJECTIVE

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, aggressive tumor arising from the adrenal cortex that typically presents late with a large mass. The increased use of cross-sectional imaging for unrelated reasons has led to a greater number of ACCs being detected incidentally at an earlier stage. Recognition of the typical clinical, biochemical, and imaging findings is imperative for rapid diagnosis, prompt intervention, and early use of the appropriate therapy.

CONCLUSION

Cross-sectional imaging with CT and MRI is essential for determining the extent of local and distant tumor spread. Complete surgical resection is currently the only potentially curative treatment of ACC, and the information attained from CT and MRI is important to guide surgery and further patient management.

FDG PET/CT manifestations of hematopoietic malignancies of the breast

Hematopoietic malignancies that can be encountered in the breast include lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma/plasmacytoma. These are readily imaged via [18]F-fluorodeoxyglucose position emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and can manifest as unilateral, bilateral, single, multiple, round/oval masses, or diffuse. These malignancies can occasionally mimic primary breast cancers. Conversely, benign conditions, such as the lactating breast can resemble hematopoietic malignancies of the breast. Although uncommon, familiarity with hematopoietic malignancies of the breast is important for proper interpretation of PET/CT. In this pictorial review, the PET/CT imaging features of patients with hematopoietic malignancies of the breast will be described, including pathology-proven cases of acute myelogenous leukemia, diffuse B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, acute myeloid leukemia with neutropenic granulocytic) sarcoma, and plasmacytoma. In addition, potential pitfalls will be discussed.

Clinical utility of PET/CT in lymphoma

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review is to assist interpreting radiologists in becoming familiar with the role of PET/CT in baseline staging and therapeutic response assessment in the management of lymphoma, in becoming aware of imaging pitfalls, and in understanding the natural behavior of lymphoma and the therapeutic options.

CONCLUSION

Therapeutic strategies for the management of lymphoma are constantly being refined to improve long-term survival with the lowest risk of toxicity to the patient. PET/CT is accurate for baseline staging and yields important prognostic information for determining the most appropriate initial treatment. Used for evaluation of treatment response, PET/CT can depict residual viable malignant lesions with greater accuracy than can other imaging techniques. The findings thereby influence decisions about the need for additional or alternative treatment.