Open AccessPrimary pulmonary marginal zone lymphoma: an unusual cause of pulmonary infiltrates
Author(s) -
Smyth Robert,
Sloan John Mark,
Burks Eric,
Hawkins Finn
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
respirology case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2051-3380
DOI - 10.1002/rcr2.806
Subject(s) - medicine , marginal zone , lymphoma , malt lymphoma , pathology , mucosa associated lymphoid tissue , rituximab , lymphatic system , lung , biopsy , marginal zone b cell lymphoma , radiology , antibody , b cell , immunology
Primary pulmonary extra‐nodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma), also known as bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissue (BALT lymphoma), is the most common primary pulmonary lymphoma but is rare (<1%) among all non‐Hodgkin lymphomas and among pulmonary neoplasms in general. We herein report the case of a 59‐year‐old male who presented with stable exertional dyspnoea and persistent lung infiltrates who was referred to our hospital for further assessment. A computed tomography (CT)‐guided core biopsy was performed showing a dense lymphoid infiltrate, with further testing revealing the diagnosis of pulmonary MALT lymphoma. This uncommon lung tumour is usually seen in older adults and typically associated with a relatively indolent course. Rituximab, an anti‐CD20 antibody, has been shown to be effective in up to 70% of cases.