CYTODIAGNOSIS OF A PRIMARY EFFUSION LYMPHOMA - A CASE-REPORT

BACKGROUND: Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), commonly described in AID S patients, is a unique subset of lymphoma in which the neoplastic lym phocytes proliferate exclusively in serous cavities. CASE: A 27-year-o ld male, HIV positive far five years and with multiple opportunistic i nfections in the past, was admitted for sudden-onset shortness of brea th caused by a pleural effusion. Cytologic examination of the pleural fluid revealed medium to large atypical lymphocytes with a high mitosi s rate, suspicious for lymphoma. Further diagnostic tests, such as imm unophenotypic analysis and cytogenetic and molecular studies, confirme d the diagnosis of PEL. CONCLUSION: Cytopathologists and cytotechnolog ists should be aware of this new entity since additional studies are r equired for a definitive diagnosis.