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Spontaneous Regression Of Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma, Leg Type: A Case Series And Review Of The Literature

Winkler, M. 2024Lymphoma

Winkler, M., Albrecht, J. D., Sauer, C., Kordaß, T., Guenova, E., Livingstone, E., Wobser, M., Mitteldorf, C., Géraud, C., & Nicolay, J. P. (2024). Spontaneous regression of primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type: A case series and review of the literature. The Journal of dermatology, 51(9), 1233–1239. https://doi.org/10.1111/1346-8138.17339

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Abstract

Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type (PCDLBCL, LT) is a subtype of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma with unfavorable prognosis usually requiring aggressive polychemotherapy for disease control. Only single cases of spontaneous regression of PCDLBCL, LT are reported in the literature, peaking 3 months post-biopsy following a clinical history of no longer than 1 year. Here, we report the first case of a spontaneously relapsing and remitting PCDLBCL, LT with complete regression after a clinical history of more than 9 years and thus an atypically indolent clinical course. The female patient presented with recurrent erythematous, non-ulcerated, non-raised plaques of the right lower leg for 6 years. Pathological workup and exclusion of a systemic disease confirmed the diagnosis of PCDLBCL, LT. Due to the history of repeated spontaneous remission, no therapy was initiated. Nine years after first occurrence the patient presented with complete clinical remission lasting for 64 months. We retrospectively identified four additional PCDLBCL, LT patients with spontaneous remission lasting up to 53 months. Our data provide evidence for a distinct PCDLBCL, LT patient subgroup that clinicians should be aware of and warrants a watch-and-wait treatment regime.

Case Details

Disease Location

Skin

Personal Characteristics

53-year-old woman

Clinical Characteristics

Presented with relapsing and remitting skin alterations at the right lower leg for 6 years. Clinical examination yielded an annular, non-ulcerated, erythematous flat plaque on her right calf. Skin biopsy revealed nodular and diffuse lymphoid infiltration of the entire dermis and subcutis. The infiltration consisted of medium- to large-sized lymphocytes with large, round nuclei and numerous mitoses, consistent with sheets of centroblasts and immunoblasts. In addition, an infiltrate of small lymphocytes. In the further course of the disease, the patient repeatedly developed non- elevated, non-ulcerated, erythematous plaques on the right lower leg followed by spontaneous regression

Remission Characteristics

9 years after first occurrence, complete regression of the skin alterations without recurrence elsewhere was noted

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Spontaneous remission appears to be associated with a reactive infiltrate of t cells and histiocytes.

Clinical Treatment

Biopsy

Non-Clinical Treatment

None reported