Primary lymphoma of the liver in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome and chronic hepatitis B
Lisker-Melman, M.; Pittaluga, S.; Pluda, J.M.; Kleiner, D.E.; Thompson, P.; Martin, P.; Yarchoan, R.; Di Bisceglie, A.M.
American Journal of Gastroenterology 84(11): 1445-1448
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9270 PMID: 2683745 Document Number: 344079
We describe the case of a homosexual man with asymptomatic infection with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus who developed primary hepatic lymphoma. The lymphoma presented with rapid enlargement of the liver, and ultrasound examination revealed multiple hypoechoic lesions within the liver. Histological examination of the liver showed massive replacement by lymphomatous tissue, as well as changes of chronic active hepatitis B. Immunohistochemical stains for hepatitis B surface and core antigens were strongly positive in almost all hepatocytes, but not in tumor tissue. Whereas the occurrence of lymphoma probably is related to HIV infection, possible interactions between hepatitis B virus and HIV infection are discussed. Thus, the presence of mass lesions within the liver in a patient with HIV infection should raise the possibility of hepatic lymphoma even if there is no evidence of generalized lymphadenopathy.