Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2025 Mar;68(3):121-126. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2024.00241.

A Case of Multiple Cranial Neuropathies Caused by Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase-Negative Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

• Oh H
• Seong SM
• Kim EJ
• Kim BH

• KMID: 2565893
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2024.00241

Abstract

Multiple cranial neuropathies (MCN) can be caused by various etiologies, such as autoimmune diseases, neurovascular diseases, tumors, or infections. Among the various etiologies of MCN, malignant lymphoma is a major cause. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK-ALCL) is an extremely rare subtype of T-cell lymphoma that exhibits aggressive behavior, particularly when affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The rarity of ALK-ALCL often leads to a relative delay in diagnosis compared to other types of lymphoma. We experienced a patient with MCN, for whom malignant lymphoma was suspected and diagnosed with ALK-ALCL, which simultaneously involved multiple cranial nerves, bilateral submandibular glands (SMGs), and the stomach within a relatively short time. Herein, we report our diagnostic experience of ALK-ALCL, along with a literature review.

Keyword

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma; Anaplastic lymphoma kinase; Multiple cranial neuropathies; Stomach; Submandibular gland