A Rare Case of Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma with Epstein-Barr Virus-Negative Reed-Sternberg-Like B-Cells, Chylous Ascites, and Chylothorax

Abstract

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma is a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma with dismal prognosis. The median age of presentation ranges from 62 to 69 years with generalized lymphadenopathy, B symptoms, and hepatosplenomegaly as the most prevalent symptoms. The combination of B-cell and T-cell proliferations is common in AITL and the B-cell component may resemble Reed-Sternberg-like B-cells. Epstein-Barr virus is estimated to be present in 80–95% of AITL biopsies. Only a handful of EBV-negative AITL cases with EBV-negative RS-like B-cells have been reported over the last decade. We present a rare case of EBV-negative AITL with chylous ascites and chylothorax. Microscopic and immunohistochemical analysis revealed the presence of EBV-negative Reed-Sternberg-like B-cells in the tumor.