Recurrent diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving the sciatic nerve: A rare case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Neurolymphomatosis (NL) is an uncommon condition involving lymphomatous invasion of the cranial or spinal nerve roots. Sciatic nerve neuropathy and dysfunction represent a common cause of lower extremity symptoms in clinical practice. However, cases of recurrent lymphoma infiltrating a single peripheral nerve, such as the sciatic nerve, are rare. To date, only one case has been reported in the literature. Isolated lymphomatosis may occur sporadically in patients with lymphoma relapse. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms underlying such cases remain unclear. The present report describes a patient with recurrent lymphoma who presented with drop foot due to sciatic nerve involvement. In this report, we highlight the importance of ultrasound for diagnosing peripheral neuropathy based on the characteristic nerve enlargement and loss of echogenicity. Our findings, together with existing evidence from the literature, support that ultrasonography, which is relatively rapid, easy, and low risk, can aid in the differential diagnosis of NL.

Keywords

• neurolymphomatosis
• lymphoma relapse
• isolated sciatic neuropathy
• sciatic nerve tumor
• peripheral nervous system diseases