%0 Journal Article
%T Bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma stage IV with subsequent histologic transformation to an aggressive lymphoma: A case report
%A Rajeev Swarup
%J Journal of Medical Case Reports
%D 2011
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1752-1947-5-455
%X A 59-year-old African-American man was incidentally found to have a bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma involving the bilateral lower lobes of his lungs. In addition, bone marrow involvement was discovered. His course was indolent with only some mild respiratory symptoms. He received single agent treatment with rituximab. No evidence of progression was seen at the end of receiving this regimen. Two years after treatment our patient presented with B symptoms. Imaging now showed significant increase in the size of the lung masses with cavitation of the right lower lobe mass. A repeat transbronchial biopsy suggested transformation to an aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.This case illustrates a rare bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma stage IV with histologic transformation to an aggressive lymphoma. In addition, this rare case of transformation presented as a cavitary lesion.Primary pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or lymphoma of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) is a rare entity accounting for less than 1% of all lymphomas [1]. This malignancy is characterized by an often indolent course, in patients that are often asymptomatic, and is frequently found incidentally on chest radiography. In most cases, BALT lymphoma is localized to one lung but can involve both lungs [2-4]. In a few cases the bone marrow is involved [5]. Histologic transformation has been described in other types of low-grade lymphoma including follicular and gastric lymphomas [6]. This report represents an extremely rare case of stage IV BALT lymphoma with histologic transformation to an aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.A 59-year-old African-American man, with history of renal insufficiency, diabetes, hypertension, severe peripheral vascular occlusive disease, and a 100 pack-year tobacco history, was incidentally found to have an abnormal chest radiograph showing bilateral large lower lobe airspace opacities. Images taken three years previously were reviewed;
%U http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/5/1/455