Natural killer/T-cell nasal-type lymphoma: unusual primary spinal tumor

Primary central nervous system extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type with CD20 expression: Case report and review of the literature

Primary central nervous system (PCNS) extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTCL), is an exceedingly rare tumor. To the best of our knowledge, only 27 cases and only one reported aberrant CD20 expression have been documented in the literature. Here we present a second case of PCNS ENKTCL with aberrant CD20 expression in a 43-year-old immunocompetent Chinese female. The patient presented with tremors, weakness in the right upper limb, and a slow reaction. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple brain lesions. A histological examination revealed a diffuse distribution of intermediate-sized pleomorphic lymphocytes with angiocentric growth. The tumor cells expressed CD2, CD3, CD56, T-cell intracellular antigen-1, granzyme B, and Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNAs (EBERs), with additional partial and weak CD20 and CD30 expression. Despite a confirmatory pathological diagnosis, the patient refused treatment and was discharged, ultimately dying from the disease. In the literature review, the clinical, immunohistochemical, EBERs, treatment, and prognostic features of PCNS ENKTCL were summarized. Although PCNS ENKTCT is extremely rare, it does occur and should always be included in differential diagnoses. CD20 expression should be evaluated routinely with relevant markers. The accumulation of cases is crucial for developing an effective treatment strategy for this rare and aggressive malignancy.

Primary spinal extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration and core biopsy

We report an extremely rare case of primary spinal extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (PSENKTL). A 54-year-old man presented with fever of unknown etiology for 2 months, with clinical evidence of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Imaging studies revealed multiple spinal lesions without evidence of disease in other body sites. Fine-needle aspiration and core biopsy (FNACB) of a paraspinal mass showed a monotonous population of intermediate lymphocytes with abundant cytoplasm with fine granules, round to slightly irregular nuclei, and inconspicuous nucleoli. Core biopsy revealed diffuse infiltration by cells with a NK cell phenotype, positive Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA, and negative T-cell receptor gene rearrangement. Bone marrow biopsy showed the presence of hemophagocytosis without evidence of lymphoma. The disease disseminated to the small bowel late in the clinical course and the patient died shortly after admission. This unusual case was diagnosed by FNACB and raised awareness of ENKTL as a differential diagnosis in spinal lesions.

Primary extranodal natural killer/T-cell nasal-type lymphoma of spine: A case report

RATIONALE

Primary Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Nasal-Type Lymphoma (ENKTCL) of spine is rarely reported. This case study presents a rare case of ENKTCL originating from the sixth thoracic vertebra.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Here, we present a case of 49-year-old Asian male with chest and back pain. Physical examination revealed the myodynamia of both lower limbs decreased from IV degree to 0 degree, reflexes of both lower limbs and a large area of cutaneous sensation below xiphoid process disappeared in 3 days.

DIAGNOSES

In immunophenotype analysis, CD2, CD3, CD7, and CD68 were positive and CD56 was suspiciously positive. Granzyme B and T-cell intracellular antigen (TIA-1) were also positive and in situ hybridization was positive for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded mRNA (EBER). Ki-67 was 60%+. Nuclide bone scan showed that the nuclide was unusually concentrated in the sixth thoracic vertebra which considered extremely active and slightly concentrated in the right sacrolilac joint. Magnetic resonance imaging detected an abnormal signal in the sixth thoracic vertebra with corresponding paravertebral and intraspinal occupying lesion. Based on the above features, a diagnosis of ENKTCL was made.

INTERVENTIONS

This patient was treated with surgery and symptomatic supportive treatment.

OUTCOMES

The myodynamia of patient's both lower limbs were elevated to I degree after the operation with chest and back pain partly relieved. However, the patient died about 3 months later.

LESSONS

ENKTCL could originate from spine. Clinicians should be alert for early stage diagnose and distinguish it from some common spinal tumor such as neurofibroma and hemangioma.

Extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma of the palate and paranasal sinuses

Background:

Extranodal nasal-type natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma represents a rare entity, typically originating in the nasal cavity, palate or midfacial region. Signs and symptoms include non-specific rhinitis and/or sinusitis, nasal obstruction, epistaxis, facial swelling and development of deep necrotic ulceration in the midline of the palate, causing an oronasal defect. Differential diagnosis includes fungal infections, Wegener’s granulomatosis, tertiary syphilis, other non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas and malignant epithelial midline tumors.

Case Report:

We present a case of a 40-year-old man complaining of headache, facial pain, nasal congestion and fever. Examination revealed a large deep necrotic ulcer in the middle of the palate, presenting as an oronasal defect. Endoscopic rhinoscopy revealed crusts in the nasal cavities, moderate perforation of the nasal septum cartilage and contraction of the middle and inferior conchae. Computer tomography showed occupation of the maxillary sinuses, ethmoidal cells and sphenoidal sinus by a hyperdense soft tissue mass. Laboratory investigation revealed increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate. A wide excision of the lesion was performed. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation established the diagnosis of extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma. The patient was treated with CHOP chemotherapy, involved-field radiotherapy and autologous bone marrow transplantation. A removable partial denture with obturator was fabricated and inserted to relieve problems caused by the oronasal defect.

Conclusions:

Extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma is a very aggressive, rapidly progressing malignant neoplasm with a poor prognosis, which can be improved by early diagnosis and combined treatment.

Primary spinal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma successfully treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation

STUDY DESIGN

This case report shows primary natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma originating in the spine as the first case of successful treatment with autologous stem cell transplantation, along with case presentation and literature review.

OBJECTIVE

For the proper treatment of this spinal tumor, the pathologic confirmation includes immunophenotypic profiling, the understanding of tumor characteristics, and the consideration of spinal stability are necessary.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

NK/T-cell lymphomas are rare, aggressive neoplastic disorders with a distinctive clinical pathologic profile and an unfavorable clinical prognosis. The extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphomas, which are characterized by an extranodal presentation and an aggressive clinical course, are prevalent in Asia and Central and South America.

METHODS

A 49-year-old woman presented with thoracic back pain that developed 3 months before she was admitted to Chung-Ang University. The radiological image showed a 6 × 4 × 5-cm mass lesion within the T6-T7 vertebral body. The histopathology was consistent with the finding of NK/T-cell lymphoma. Treatment with chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) in combination with radiotherapy (total dose, 30 Gy) was done, and salvage therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation was performed.

RESULTS

Two-year follow-up magnetic resonance image showed shrinking remnant mass without spinal deformation and/or instability. Rebiopsy for remnant mass, nasal area study, and positron emission tomographic scan were performed to determine the tumor recurrence. There was no evidence of recurrence at the 2-year follow-up evaluations.

CONCLUSION

Some primary NK/T-cell lymphomas that originate at sites other than the nasal cavity/nasopharynx do not present with typical clinical features and symptoms. A primary NK/T-cell lymphoma of the spine should be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary bone tumors. We report the first case of successful treatment with chemoradiotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation in a patient with a primary spinal NK/T-cell lymphoma.

Nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma with palatal ulcer as the earliest clinical manifestation: a case report with literature review

Extranodal nasal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma is a very rare kind of lymphoma, Oral cavity involvement of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type is extremely rare, and its clinicopathologic features are also poorly understood. Recently, we experienced an unusual case of Epstein-Barr virus-associated, extranodal NK/T-cell type with a unhealed palatal ulcer as the earliest clinical feature. It is a challenge for oral medicine specialists to make the early diagnosis for this special type of tumor.