Plasmablastic Lymphoma of the Kidney in a Previously Undiagnosed HIV Patient

Abstract

We present the case of a 61-year-old male who presented with flank pain and dysuria. A biopsy and histopathological analysis of a mass found in the left kidney led to the diagnosis of plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL). The kidney is not a commonly reported site of presentation for PBL in the current literature.1,2 As a part of routine workup, HIV testing was ordered resulting in positive preliminary and confirmatory results. The patient denied awareness of his HIV status. Chemotherapy with uricosuric agents and antiretroviral therapy was initiated, but the patient developed tumor lysis syndrome with phosphate nephropathy leading to discontinuation of the regimen. Due to deterioration in clinical status, the patient chose palliative measures. This case report addresses the diagnostic challenges of plasmablastic lymphoma and its rare presentation in an unusual location.

Keywords

• plasmablastic lymphoma
• immunocompromised
• atypical location