A Case of Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma Complicated with Bilateral Chylothorax. (17th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kako, Satoko; Joshita, Satoru; Matsuo, Akemi; Kawaguchi, Kenji; Umemura, Takeji; Tanaka, Eiji
• Other Names: Mayordomo Jose I. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in oncological medicine. Volume 2019(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-02-17
• Subjects: Oncology -- Periodicals; Tumors -- Periodicals; Oncology -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Neoplasms; Oncology; Tumors; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Case studies; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1155/2019/8357893
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6706

Abstract

Abstract : We present the case of a 74-year-old Japanese woman who presented with dyspnea, a palpable right breast mass, and swollen right axillary lymph node. Imaging studies revealed bilateral pleural effusion and systemic lymph adenopathy and pleural fluid study showed high levels of triglycerides. A right inguinal lymph node biopsy disclosed malignant lymphoma cells that were human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) provirus DNA-positive, a condition endemic to patient's birthplace, by the Southern blot hybridization method. She was diagnosed as having adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) with chylothorax. After commencing chemotherapy for ATL, her chylothorax disappeared and swollen lymph nodes reduced remarkably, indicating an association between the chylothorax and ATL. Bilateral chylothorax is a relatively rare condition associated with such nontraumatic causes as ATL. Clinicians should therefore bear chylothorax in mind when encountering patients with pleural effusion. A detailed medical history can also enable prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment.