Korean J Med.  2002 Apr;62(4):469-474.

A case of mantle cell lymphoma associated with tuberculous pleurisy

• Lee HS
• Lee SK
• Chang KY
• Choi IS
• Son CH
• Kim JS
• Jeon JS
• Rho MS
• Han JY
• Lee KN
• Choi PJ

Abstract

Mantle cell lymphoma is relatively rare and generally difficult to differentiate from other types of lymphoma. The clinical course is very aggressive. We recently experienced a very rare patient with pleural mantle cell lymphoma associated with pleural tuberculosis. A 60-year-old female patient was admitted because of dyspnea. Chest films revealed pleural effusion. Analysis of pleural effusion was not diagnostic, but we started therapeutic trial for tuberculosis. After 2 months of anti-tuberculosis medication, the pleural effusion was not improved. We repeated pleural biopsy. Histologic finding was chronic inflammation but AFB culture was positive. After another 3 months of medications for tuberculosis, there was no improvement. We repeated pleural biopsy and thoracentesis. Repeated biopsy and the result of flow cytometry of pleural effusion were consistent with mantle cell lymphoma. We started chemotherapy for lymphoma. After three cycles of chemotherapy, pleural effusion was decreased, but she worsened and died of hepatic failure probably due to viral hepatitis.

Keyword

Mantle cell lymphoma; Pleurisy; Tuberculous

MeSH Terms

Biopsy
Drug Therapy
Dyspnea
Female
Flow Cytometry
Hepatitis
Humans
Inflammation
Liver Failure
Lymphoma
Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell*
Middle Aged
Pleural Effusion
Pleurisy
Thorax
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, Pleural*