Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Occurring in an HIV-Positive Patient

Isolated Central Nervous System Involvement after Brentuximab Vedotin Treatment for HIV-Positive ALK-Negative Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated lymphoma poses a high mortality risk despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). Although intermediate- or high-grade B-cell lymphomas are common, anaplastic large-cell lymphomas (ALCLs) are rare and seldom affect the central nervous system (CNS). Herein, we present a case of HIV-associated ALCL with isolated CNS involvement that occurred following the discontinuation of ART that was administered after treatment with brentuximab vedotin (BV)-which does not cross the blood-brain barrier. At the time of CNS recurrence, the patient's CD4 count was 9 cells/mm3. This is the first report of CNS recurrence in HIV-associated ALCL. Considering the high risk of CNS relapse, we suggest initiating CNS prophylaxis in cases of HIV-associated ALCL, particularly in patients receiving CNS-impermeable agents such as BV.

Unusual clinical presentation of anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a well-recognized entity, presents a varied clinical picture and epidemiological characteristics associated with the expression of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) protein. When classic symptoms are present (weight loss, fever, and night sweats) and combine with enlarged and easily accessible peripheral lymph nodes, diagnosis is not that difficult. But when the clinical presentation is nonspecific, a tough diagnostic task is required. HIV infection is highly associated with neoplastic disorders-mainly with those of hematological origin. However, ALCL is exceptionally associated with HIV infection, and the few reported cases are ALK- ALCL. The authors report two cases of ALK+ ALCL with the unusual clinical presentation: one is associated with the HIV infection and the other presents as a fever of unknown origin (FUO) without peripheral lymphadenopathy. The latter was autopsied and was characterized by nodal and extra nodal involvement. The authors call attention to the plurality of clinical presentation of this group of lymphomas, and the early indication of bone marrow examination in cases of an FUO with elevated hepatic enzymes and lactic dehydrogenase.

A case report of human immunodeficiency virus-associated anaplastic lymphoma kinase protein-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is not so common, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase protein (ALK)-negative ALCL is rare and has a low survival rate. We report a case of a 31-year-old Japanese man diagnosed with HIV-associated ALK-negative ALCL who presented with long-lasting fever of unknown origin. The diagnosis was based on a full work-up that included inguinal lymph-node biopsy. Eight-cycle chemotherapy that included cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone in addition to antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection provided a complete remission of his ALCL and over 5-year survival for him.