Febrile cholestatic disease as an initial presentation of nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

Fulminant Hepatic Failure as the Initial Presentation of Hodgkin Lymphoma in 4 Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

In the era of antiretroviral therapy (ART), Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is a common non-AIDS-defining cancer with increasing incidence in people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). Through review of these cases, we identify clinical patterns such as declining CD4 count despite ART, hyperbilirubinemia and recurrent fever, which preceded diagnosis. Identifying these important signs and symptoms may lead to earlier diagnosis and initiation of therapy. Fulminant hepatic failure limits the ability to give standard of care chemotherapy, likely jeopardizing outcomes in this patient population. Alternative bridging therapies should be considered until hepatic function improves.

Hodgkin's disease presenting as discharging neck sinuses and a mediastinal mass

A 23-year-old Asian lady presented with a hard indurated midline neck swelling of 2 months duration without any upper aerodigestive tract or systemic symptoms of note. Her inflammatory markers were elevated and she was commenced on antibiotics. Ultrasound scan and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) were inconclusive. A CT scan showed an ill-defined soft tissue mass anterior to and not well demarcated from the thyroid, and contiguous with a superior and anterior mediastinal mass. Incisional biopsy revealed necrosis and pockets of purulent material. Microbiology suggested a chronic pyogenic abscess negative for acid fast bacilli. She was treated with antituberculous therapy without resolution. She developed a discharging lateral neck mass with progressive increase of the mediastinal mass. She subsequently required a neck exploration and mediastinoscopy. Repeat mediastinal biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease and no organisms on culture. She was commenced on chemotherapeutic treatment with a satisfactory outcome.