Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma

Last revised by Yuranga Weerakkody on 22 Oct 2023

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma is a distinct entity, recognized in the WHO classification of lymphoma.

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma accounts approximately 5% of large B-cell lymphoma, which is usually disseminated or found in the abdomen. There appears to be a younger age of diagnosis (30s) and female predilection (F:M 3:2), when compared to other large-cell lymphomas, which usually present in the 50s and have a male predilection (M:F 2:1) 1-2.

Unfortunately, from an imaging point of view, these demographics are similar to those of nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a common cause of a primarily mediastinal lymphoma 3.

Clinical presentation is usually due to the mass effect of the typically large anterior mediastinal mass. SVC compression resulting in SVC syndrome is relatively common, present in up to 35% of cases 1,2.

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma is a distinct type of B-cell lymphoma and is thought to arise from thymic B-cells 1,2.

The vast majority of patients have an anterior mediastinal mass. Middle and posterior mediastinal involvement, either in isolation or contiguously with the anterior mediastinal component are uncommon 1.

Chest radiography demonstrates a soft tissue anterior mediastinal mass.

CT of the chest usually shows:

  • soft-tissue attenuating mass
  • usually large at diagnosis ~10 cm diameter
  • mass effect common
    • bowing and compression of the trachea
    • SVC obstruction: up to 35% cases 1
  • cystic areas are common: up to 44% 1
  • calcification pre-treatment is uncommon but recognized
  • chest wall invasion may occur
  • pleural effusion(s)/pericardial effusion
    • seen in up to a third of cases 1
    • pleural effusion may be associated with poor outcome 1

Mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma tends to have a more aggressive behavior and poorer response to treatment than other large-cell lymphomas, although the overall response to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy is still good 1,2.

Poor prognostic indicators are 1,2:

  • advanced stage at diagnosis
  • direct involvement of thoracic viscera
  • infra-diaphragmatic spread
  • pleural effusion
  • SVC syndrome
  • respiratory compromise due to
    • tracheal compression
    • pleural effusions

The differential diagnosis on chest x-ray is relatively broad, including most causes of an anterior mediastinal mass.

On CT, the differential is narrower:

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