Isolated Oculomotor Cranial Nerve Palsy as Unusual Presentation of Primary High-Grade Burkitt’s Cell Lymphoma in HIV Patient: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive B-cell neoplasm that is well known to be associated with HIV. The presentation usually reflects the underline immunodeficiency state (like opportunistic infections and chronic diarrhea, and enlarged lymph nodes). The most common causes for 3rd cranial nerve palsy are intracranial aneurysm, ischemia, trauma, and migraine. But for our case, it turned out to be associated with underline HIV and BL, which is an unusual cause. Here, we present a 43-year-old gentleman with no past medical history presented to the emergency department with 4 days history of drooping of left eyelid and headache and binocular diplopia with no other neurological features. CT abdomen showed lymph node enlargement. Lymph node biopsy showed the characteristic of Burkitt’s cell lymphoma. He was started on chemotherapy, but unfortunately, he died. We’re enlightening this case of an isolated oculomotor nerve palsy to diagnose lethal pathology like disseminated BL.

Keywords

• oculomotor
• third cranial nerve
• b-cell
• lymphoma
• burkitt’s