A case of intravascular lymphoma presenting as myelopathy diagnosed with a skin biopsy

Recommendations for an Approach to Random Skin Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Intravascular B-Cell Lymphoma

Intravascular B-Cell Lymphoma (IVBCL) is a rare type of extranodal large B-cell lymphoma where clonal B-cells selectively home to and replicate in the lumen of small vessels. Random skin biopsy (RSB) of uninvolved skin is a reputable tool to diagnose this protean entity and thus dermatologists are involved in its diagnosis. A literature review was completed to derive an approach to RSB in these patients to maximize diagnostic yield of IVBCL and minimize morbidity. Based on this review, data from 27 patients where clinical signs and symptoms and results of investigations were able to be linked to a positive diagnosis of IVBCL from RSB from 11 papers from 2003 to 2021 were analyzed. Following this analysis, RSB should be considered when there are no clinical skin findings and there is an elevated lactate dehydrogenase in the absence of lymphadenopathy and presence of fever of unknown origin, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and ferritinemia. Three to four RSBs from the thigh, abdomen and/or posterior upper arm should be performed via either incisional or telescoping punch biopsies and should include senile/cherry angioma(s) if present. If RSB results in a diagnosis of IVBCL, hematology should be consulted for further management. Consideration of a false negative biopsy or alternative diagnoses should be explored if RSB is negative for IVBCL. Following a standard approach for RSB in these patients will increase diagnostic yield of IVBCL while decreasing the risk of harm to the patient.