A case of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma diagnosed by repeated transbronchial lung biopsy
Yumiko Imahashia,b Takashi Uejib,c Kyoko Otanib,d Naoko Shinmurab Daijiro Nabeyab Hiroshi Fujiwarab
aDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University
bDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Yodogawa Christian Hospital
cDepartment of Pharmacoepidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Public Health, Kyoto University
dToyama University Hospital Laboratory of Pathology
A 67-year-old woman presented with high fever and dyspnea on exertion. Chest computed tomography image showed ground-glass opacity in the apical portion of both lungs and elevated serum C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase. We could make no accurate diagnosis with first bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB). Repeated TBLB demonstrated the intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL). Chemotherapy achieved complete remission. It is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis of IVLBCL because of its nonspecific symptoms. Early accurate diagnosis in its early stages can result in complete remission. IVLBCL is rare, but it is important to try and rule it out by repeated TBLB if it may be suspected.
Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma Ground glass opacity Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB)
Received 5 Aug 2011 / Accepted 7 Nov 2011
AJRS, 1(2): 162-164, 2012