Primary pancreatic ALK negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma

ALK-Negative Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma Diagnosed on Liver Biopsy in a Child Presenting with Nonresolving Pyrexia

ALK-negative anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma occurring in adulthood. We report a case of a 13-year-old boy who presented with a 6-month history of fever with jaundice and pancytopenia. Computed tomography abdomen showed multiple hypodense lesions in the liver. Bone marrow biopsy revealed necrotizing granulomas. The patient was treated with antitubercular treatment but failed to show a response. Liver biopsy performed subsequently showed features of ALK-negative ALCL. Extranodal involvement in ALK-negative ALCL can have unusual clinical presentations. This case highlights the utility of timely tissue diagnosis in patients with nonresolving pyrexia and organ lesions on imaging.

Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase-Negative Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Manifesting as a Scalp Hematoma After an Acute Head Injury-a Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma, typically associated with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) expression. In some cases, lack of ALK translocation correlated with a more unfavorable prognosis.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe a case of ALK(-) ALCL that manifested as a progressive, enlarged, swollen mass on the scalp after an acute head injury in an 84-year-old man. Neither palpable lymph nodes nor any B symptoms were noted on admission. Brain computed tomography showed a hematoma in the right posterior occipital region of the scalp as the only remarkable finding. Débridement and biopsy were performed. Histologic and immunohistochemical analysis of the specimen revealed an ALK(-) ALCL of the scalp. The lymphoma was resistant to bendamustine-containing chemotherapies, ultimately leading to the patient's death within 2 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This case report highlights the importance of recognizing the possibility of an ALCL manifesting as a focal inflammatory swelling mass on the scalp.