Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the CNS

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Left sided weakness.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Female

 There is a homogeneously enhancing mass centered in the right posterior temporal lobe. There is surrounding vasogenic edema, that extends predominately into the right frontal and temporal lobes but also into the right internal capsule, into the right midbrain, as well as into the hypothalamus and optic chiasm. There is a 5 mm midline shift, obstruction of Monro's foramen, dilation of the left lateral ventricle, and descending trans-tentorial herniation distorts the right cerebral peduncle.

Incidental empty sella. No further abnormal contrast enhancement. 

Case Discussion

The patient went on to have a biopsy. 

Histology

MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION:

Paraffin sections show cores of cerebral white matter. These show aggregation of large atypical lymphoid cells in cuffs around small caliber blood vessels. Invasion of vessel walls by atypical cells is noted. Atypical cells are also dispersed in white matter between vessels. The atypical cells have large round, oval and angulated vesicular nuclei and a narrow rim of pale cytoplasm. Scattered mitotic figures are identified. Intervening white matter is edematous and shows astrocytic gliosis. The features are of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Immunohistochemistry shows strong membrane staining for CD20 and CD79a and strong perinuclear staining for bcl-2 with weaker staining for bcl-6. There is also strong nuclear staining for MUM-1. Moderate numbers of small CD3+ T lymphocytes are mixed with the atypical large B cells. There is no staining for cyclin D1 or CD23. The features are of non-Hodgkin's large B cell lymphoma.

DIAGNOSIS:

Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the CNS

 

 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.