Primary Hepatic Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Mimicking Acute Fulminant Hepatitis

Authors

• Toni El Murr Department of Internal Medicine, Middle East Institute of Health, Faculty of Medical Science, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
• Ricardo El Nouwar Department of Internal Medicine, Middle East Institute of Health, Faculty of Medical Science, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon

drtonimurr@hotmail.com

Keywords

Abstract

Primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) is a rare variant of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Diffuse hepatic involvement is uncommon and therefore presentation as progressive hepatitis or acute fulminant hepatic failure is rare. Acute onset of signs and symptoms can mimic a variety of infectious and inflammatory disorders, thus delaying the diagnosis. A high index of suspicion and liver biopsy early in the course of liver dysfunction may establish the diagnosis and allow rapid initiation of chemotherapy to prevent a fatal outcome. In this report, we describe a rare case of fulminant primary hepatic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a 55-year-old woman who died 2 weeks after admission, before the initiation of chemotherapy.