Surgery in Castleman's disease: a systematic review of 404 published cases. Ann Surg. 2012;255:677-684. [PMID: 22367441 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0b013e318249dcdc]

Castleman disease coexisting with papillary thyroid carcinoma: A case report

Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown etiology characterized by lymph node enlargement. CD cannot be confirmed by preoperative puncture cytology, and definitive diagnosis depends on postoperative histopathology. Due to the lack of characteristic clinical manifestations and imaging features, in clinical practice, CD is often easily missed or misdiagnosed, and it is frequently mistaken for lymphoma or autoimmune diseases. Cases of CD that coexist with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are particularly rare and are often misdiagnosed as PTC with lymph node metastasis. The present study discusses the diagnosis, treatment process and prognosis of a case involving PTC that is complicated with unilateral, single-center CD. This patient was diagnosed with a right lobe nodal gland of the thyroid gland combined with a mass in the left supraclavicular fossa. The postoperative pathological examination revealed a right lobe papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland with metastasis of the right cervical lymph node combined with CD in the left supraclavicular fossa. The immunohistochemical results of the right cervical lymph node were thyroglobulin (+), thyroid transcription factor-1(+). Immunohistochemical results of left supraclavicular fossa mass: Bcl-2 (low expression in the germinal center, high expression outside), Bcl-6 (germinal center +), Cyclin D1 (-), cluster of differentiation 38 (focally+). In future clinical practice, when encountering PTC with mediastinal masses, clinicians should consider not only common lymph node metastases but also the possibility of CD. Overall, this study aims to provide valuable insights and experience for clinicians regarding CD and PTC.

Exploring the Clinical Diversity of Castleman Disease and TAFRO Syndrome: A Japanese Multicenter Study on Lymph Node Distribution Patterns

Individuals diagnosed with Castleman disease (CD) and TAFRO syndrome (characterized by thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, bone marrow fibrosis, and organomegaly) displays a wide range of clinical symptoms, including varying patterns of lymph node enlargement, systemic inflammation, and impaired organ function. Some patients may present with both CD and TAFRO syndrome concurrently. A retrospective study conducted across multiple centers in Japan examined 321 cases to determine if the quantity and position of swollen lymph nodes could forecast the clinical progression and intensity of these conditions. Interestingly, the study revealed that patients with TAFRO syndrome exhibited lymphadenopathy across all ranges of lymph node region counts. Moreover, no specific clinical patterns were associated with the number of affected lymph node regions in CD patients, regardless of whether they also had TAFRO syndrome. These results enhance our understanding of the clinical variability in CD and TAFRO syndrome, suggesting that a comprehensive clinical evaluation, rather than relying solely on lymph node count, is crucial for effectively managing these conditions. Additional studies are required to establish reliable diagnostic markers and to predict disease severity at the time of diagnosis, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Pelvic unicentric Castleman's disease mimicking accessory spleen: A rare presentation of Castleman's disease, a case report and literature report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Castleman disease, a rare, mostly benign lymphoproliferative disorder, is classified as unicentric or multicentric Castleman disease, with HHV-8 association affecting the latter. Unicentric Castleman disease typically presents as a single enlarged lymph node, most often mediastinal, while multicenter Castleman disease involves multiple lymph nodes. Treatment depends on the type and severity, ranging from surgical resection for unicentric Castleman disease to chemotherapy for multicentric Castleman disease.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 28-year-old Ethiopian man presented with three months of pelvic pain, altered bowel habits, and urinary frequency. The physical examination was unremarkable. Investigations revealed a retroperitoneal pelvic mass, initially suspected to be an accessory spleen. Surgery revealed a 10 × 8 × 4 cm mass. Histopathology showed features consistent with unicentric Castleman disease, confirmed by characteristic "onion skin" and "lollipop" appearances, CD20 positivity, and negative HHV-8 and Bcl-2. The patient recovered well after surgical resection.

CASE DISCUSSION

Pelvic unicentric Castleman disease is a rare presentation of this uncommon disorder, typically affecting the mediastinum. While its pathogenesis is unclear, it's not associated with HHV-8, IL-6 overproduction, or human immunodeficiency virus in all cases (as in this patient). Unicentric Castleman disease is characterized by localized symptoms or may be asymptomatic, unlike multicentric Castleman disease which presents with systemic manifestations. Imaging (ultrasound and CT in this case) guides diagnosis, with histopathology confirming the characteristic "onion skin" and "lollipop" appearances. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for unicentric Castleman disease, offering excellent outcomes (as seen in the patient). Multicentric Castleman disease requires more extensive treatment, with a less favorable prognosis. Long-term follow-up is crucial due to the risk of malignant transformation.

CONCLUSION

Unicentric pelvic Castleman disease, a rare condition sometimes confused with accessory spleen, requires histopathological diagnosis. While often linked to HIV/AIDS or HHV-8, it can occur without risk factors and usually responds well to surgical excision.

A diagnostic and therapeutically challenging presentation of unicentric mesenteric Castleman disease: A case report

Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder primarily manifesting as either Multicentric CD (MCD) or Unicentric CD (UCD), with Unicentric Mesenteric CD (UMCD) representing a less common subtype within the UCD category. The present study presented an encounter with a 29-year-old male patient afflicted by UMCD, presenting with significant morbidity attributed to a sizable mesenteric mass. The diagnostic and therapeutic management of this condition posed notable challenges. In the absence of any additional abnormalities detected in auxiliary examinations, a distinct soft tissue density lesion in the abdominal region was revealed by computed tomography (CT). Despite the patient's reluctance to pursue further diagnostic procedures such as fine needle aspiration, a surgical approach was adopted under the suspicion of malignancy to establish a definitive diagnosis and implement treatment, confirming the condition as UMCD. Subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy was performed postoperatively. Fortunately, the patient achieved complete recovery, with no tumor recurrence observed during the 5-year follow-up period post-surgery. Due to the special location of UMCD, its preoperative diagnosis posed challenges and the most effective treatment remains a topic of debate. The prevalent instances of delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis underscore a deficiency in comprehending the etiology and features of the disease, essential for advancing novel therapeutic strategies. CT imaging and pathological examination both play a crucial role in UMCD diagnosis. The present study supported surgery as the primary treatment modality for UMCD, with chemotherapy and immunotherapy offering additional benefits for appropriately selected patients.

Unicentric Castleman Disease Coexisting With Type 2 Autoimmune Pancreatitis: A Case Report Mimicking Pancreatic Cancer and Near-Whipple Surgery

This case describes a 46-year-old man presenting with epigastric pain, weight loss, and obstructive jaundice, initially misdiagnosed as pancreatic cancer due to a pancreatic head mass compressing the common bile duct. Intraoperative biopsies during an aborted Whipple procedure revealed coexisting autoimmune pancreatitis and Castleman disease. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of Castleman disease, its potential association with autoimmune pancreatitis, and the critical role of histological analysis in differentiating it from malignancy.

Unicentric retroperitoneal Castleman's disease in young Nepalese women

Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder of uncertain etiology, most commonly affecting the chest and neck, with retroperitoneal involvement being exceptionally rare. It can present as either unicentric or multicentric disease, with the unicentric form typically affecting younger individuals. Due to its rarity and overlapping features with conditions like non-Hodgkin lymphoma and paraganglioma. CD is often misdiagnosed, making immunohistochemical analysis crucial for accurate diagnosis. We report a rare case of retroperitoneal CD in a 23-year-old female referred to our hospital after a CT scan revealed a retroperitoneal tumor anterior to the lower pole of her left kidney at the L3-L4 vertebral level. An initial core biopsy suggested paraganglioma; however, following laparoscopic tumorectomy, histopathological analysis confirmed Castleman disease of the hyaline vascular and plasma cell type.

A case report of Castleman disease with paraneoplastic pemphigus and bronchiolitis obliterans: Challenges and key takeaways

INTRODUCTION

Castleman disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder, subdivided into three types: unicentric Castleman disease, idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease and human herpesvirus-8 (HHV8) associated multicentric Castleman disease. The retroperitoneum comprises only 13 % of the cases.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of a 36-year-old female who presented with skin lesions in a dermatology clinic. Her CT scan revealed a left retroperitoneal soft tissue mass that measured 5.6 × 7.8 × 6.7 cm. On laparoscopy, a 10 × 5 cm retroperitoneal mass located in close proximity to the left renal vessels was noted. Histopathology revealed dense lymphoid infiltrate with follicular hyperplasia having atretic germinal centres, confirming the diagnosis of Castleman disease.

DISCUSSION

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) and bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) are complications associated with Castleman disease. PNP is always associated with an underlying neoplasm and diagnosis of PNP should prompt work up for underlying malignancy. BO is a progressive and debilitating condition that responds poorly to medical therapy and lung transplant is the only viable treatment option. On account of vascular nature of these lesions, pre operative embolization should be considered. Ureteric stenting may also be helpful to delineate ureters while dissecting retroperitoneal mass.

CONCLUSION

Mucocutaneous lesions suspicious for PNP should be thoroughly investigated and necessary imaging must be obtained to look for underlying neoplastic process. CT scan is an effective diagnostic modality; however, it has its limitations and PET/CT may provide additional benefits in diagnosis. Prior to resection, careful surgical planning, including ureteric stenting and pre-operative embolization may be required.

Cryoablation for unresectable unicentric Castleman disease

Laboratory findings and timeline of treatments. Day 0 is the day of the initial consult at our institution. CRP, C-reactive protein; IgG, immunoglobulin G.

Unicentric Castleman's Disease of Paraspinal Origin Requiring Differentiation From Schwannoma: Case Report

Unicentric Castleman's disease (UCD) typically presents as an asymptomatic tumour in the anterior or middle mediastinum. Occurrence in the paravertebral region is comparatively rare and it requires differentiation from neurogenic tumours by imaging. In our patient, preoperative imaging findings were atypical of schwannoma. Contrast-enhanced MRI of the thoracic region showed a muscle-like mass in contact with the pleura on T1-weighted images. T2-weighted images showed high signal, especially at the margins. Diffusion-weighted images showed diffusion restriction around the limbus, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images displayed strong enhancement of the mass. Diagnosis could not be made preoperatively, although UCD was suspected. Thoracoscopic tumour resection was performed for definitive diagnosis and treatment and postoperative diagnosis was hyaline-vascular-type UCD. Diagnosis of neurogenic tumours can be difficult by imaging alone. When imaging findings are atypical, a definitive diagnosis is required, with consideration of the possibility of UCD.

Castleman disease mimicking accessory spleen on imaging: A case report

Castleman disease (CD) is a nonclonal lymphoproliferative disorder that causes non-neoplastic lymph node enlargement. With an incidence of approximately 21-25 cases per million, CD presents variably, often mimicking both benign and malignant conditions across various body regions. Clinically, it ranges from asymptomatic lymph node enlargement in Unicentric Castleman's Disease (UCD) to aggressive, multicentric presentations affecting multiple organs. Accurate diagnosis relies on surgical pathology due to the disease's diverse clinical and imaging manifestations. We report a rare case of UCD in a 19-year-old male who presented with mild, nonspecific left upper quadrant pain. Initial examinations, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, showed a hypervascular retroperitoneal mass that was initially suspected to be an accessory spleen or pancreatic tail neuroendocrine tumor. Surgical resection and histopathological analysis established the diagnosis of hyaline-vascular type UCD. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of UCD, particularly when presented in uncommon locations like the retroperitoneal peripancreatic region. Imaging often fails to conclusively differentiate CD from other vascular lesions, necessitating a histopathological evaluation. Prior case studies have also reported similar diagnostic challenges and the efficacy of surgical resection for treating UCD. This case report adds to the existing literature by outlining the diagnostic procedure and challenges associated with retroperitoneal UCD. This highlights the need for increased awareness, advanced imaging techniques, and histopathological confirmation to achieve accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. A multidisciplinary approach is critical in managing such complex cases, ultimately leading to favorable patient outcomes.

Mediastinal Castleman disease presenting as a paraspinal mass causing back pain and shortness of breath in a young adult

This case report details a rare presentation of unicentric Castleman disease (UCD), hyaline vascular type in a 22-year-old woman. The patient presented with a large, well-circumscribed mass in the paravertebral region causing back pain and shortness of breath. Diagnostic imaging and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, and surgical excision led to a favorable outcome. This case underscores the critical need to include Castleman disease in the differential diagnosis for young adults presenting with mediastinal masses. Early recognition and surgical intervention are essential for a favorable prognosis in UCD cases.

Retroperitoneal unicentric Castleman disease presenting with paraneoplastic pemphigus

Castleman disease is a benign lymph node hyperplasia with two histological subtypes. In the case reported here, a young adult male presented with mucocutaneous lesions mimicking common dermatological conditions. Suspicion of an underlying systemic disease arose when the routine clinical care of the skin lesions failed to cure them. Immunoprecipitation and histological analysis of the lesions pointed towards paraneoplastic pemphigus. The radiological imaging of the abdomen showed a retroperitoneal tumour which supported the paraneoplastic nature of the skin disease. Preoperative biopsy of the retroperitoneal tumour could not provide a definitive diagnosis. So, complete surgical excision of the retroperitoneal tumour was undertaken and pathological evaluation led to the final diagnosis of Castleman disease. We explain how the varied atypical presentation of an underlying rare disease can lead to a delay in the diagnosis, and how we untangled it with sequential work-up leading to successful surgical excision of the disease.

The Enigma of Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman Disease: An Elusive Diagnosis

Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder encompassing a spectrum of conditions with distinct histopathological findings and varied clinical presentations. Diagnostic challenges are often encountered due to overlapping features with other malignancies, infections, and autoimmune disorders. Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is a subtype of CD, characterized by generalized lymphadenopathy, polyclonal lymphoproliferation, systemic inflammation, and a cytokine storm that can be life-threatening. Here, we present a case of iMCD in a 70-year-old male with constitutional symptoms, dyspnea, and pancytopenia. Imaging demonstrated multifocal lymphadenopathy. Histopathological examination of a cervical lymph node revealed Castleman-like features, meeting the major criteria for a diagnosis of iMCD. Elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels further supported the diagnosis. Treatment with siltuximab was planned but was preempted by the patient's demise following acute heart failure exacerbation. Diagnosing CD necessitates a thorough evaluation to differentiate it from other diseases. Treatment strategies, particularly IL-6 blockade, play a crucial role in the management of iMCD and improve patient outcomes.

Clinicopathological characteristics of unicentric Castleman disease: A single-center experience of 12 patients

BACKGROUND

Castleman disease (CD) is an uncommon lymphoproliferative disorder with distinct pathological characteristics. Unicentric Castleman disease (UCD) presents as a single lymph node enlargement, often without significant symptoms. Complete surgical resection is the standard treatment for UCD. This study aimed to explore the clinicopathological features of UCD in a Taiwanese population.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 12 patients with UCD who had undergone surgical treatment between January 1, 2006 and June 30, 2022 at the National Taiwan University Hospital. Clinical and radiological findings were retrieved from medical records. All available pathological slides were reviewed.

RESULTS

The patients' mean age was 38.1 years (range, 17 to 69); five (41.7%) were male, and seven (58.3%) were female. Nearly all cases of UCD were in the mediastinum, except for one case in the neck. Most patients were asymptomatic and without abnormal laboratory test results. Computed tomography revealed well-defined tumor borders, contrast enhancement, and occasional calcification. Ten patients underwent en bloc tumor resection, while the remaining two underwent partial resection. Among them, seven (58.3%) underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and four (33.3%) underwent thoracotomy. The mean follow-up duration was 92 months. The patients who underwent total resection had no recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Detailed clinicopathological information on UCD in the Taiwanese population is present in our article. Both complete and partial surgery are effective for treatment. VATS may be preferred over thoracotomy due to less operative time and bleeding.

Castleman's Disease Mimicking Malignant Submandibular Tumor: A Case Report

A submandibular mass can be attributed to a variety of potential diagnoses. We report a case of a 71-year-old man presenting with left submandibular swelling associated with multiple lymph nodes.All investigations were negative except for a suspected malignant submandibular tumour.Unicentric Castleman's disease was diagnosed based on the final histological examination.

Castleman's Disease Presenting as an Unusual Pelvic Retroperitoneal Mass

Castleman's disease (CD) is characterised by benign lymphoepithelial proliferation and is a peculiar form of angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia rather than a neoplasm or a hamartoma. CD is broadly classified as unicentric CD (UCD) and multicentric CD. In the unicentric variant, patients have localised disease affecting only a single lymph node or a group of adjacent nodes in a single region, which clinically presents as an enlarging mass without any other significant symptoms. The mediastinum and thoracic lymph nodes are commonly involved. However, it is uncommon for CD to occur in the pelvic presacral region of the retroperitoneum. A 31-year-old male presented with progressive, dull aching, intermittent lower abdomen pain for three months with no aggravating or relieving factors or any associated symptoms. He was haemodynamically stable, and his general physical examination was normal. An abdominal examination elicited mild tenderness in the left iliac region of the abdomen. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed an encapsulated nodal mass with intralesional calcification displacing the bladder to the right side, and fine needle aspiration cytology showed atypical cells. An exploratory laparotomy was performed with an in toto excision biopsy of the pelvic retroperitoneal mass, and it was diagnosed as a hyaline-vascular variant of UCD. Immunohistochemistry revealed angiofollicular hyperplasia and atretic germinal centres that are crossed by sclerotic vessels and hyalinisation, confirming the diagnosis. The patient is currently asymptomatic and is leading a routine life. The hyaline-vascular variant is the most common variant seen in UCD. Compared to the multicentric type, the unicentric type seldom exhibits systemic involvement. Surgical resection is typically curative. Although it is asymptomatic, it is essential to achieve complete surgical resection to prevent the neoplastic potentialities of CD. In the presence of an uncertain solitary solid pelvic retroperitoneal mass, the diagnosis of UCD should be considered, as surgical resection can achieve a favourable outcome.

Clinical features and outcomes of retroperitoneal unicentric Castleman disease resected as sarcomas: insights from a high-volume sarcoma center

Background

Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder that can occur anywhere along the lymphatic pathway. Retroperitoneal unicentric Castleman disease (UCD) is an extremely rare manifestation. This study aims to explore the clinical features and surgical treatment of retroperitoneal UCD.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent retroperitoneal tumor surgery and were diagnosed with CD based on postoperative pathology before December 31, 2022. Data from these patients were collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 15 patients were included in the final analysis. All patients underwent radical resection under general anesthesia. Two out of 15 patients (13.3%) experienced serious complications but recovered well. There were no perioperative deaths. The median follow-up time was 78.5 months (range: 18-107.5 months), and no deaths or recurrences occurred during this period.

Conclusions

Surgical treatment for retroperitoneal UCD is safe. Patients with retroperitoneal UCD can achieve long-time survival through complete resection.

Localized retroperitoneal mass suspected malignancy: A rare case of unicentric Castleman's disease

Key Clinical Message

Castleman's Disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal masses, especially in equivocal cases. Clinician should not presume all cases of retroperitoneal masses as a malignancy.

Abstract

Castleman's Disease is a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative disorders, that can develop in lymph nodes or in extranodal sites. It has three distinct histological subtypes; hyaline vascular, plasma cell or mixed. It can be unicentric or multicentric, and sometimes oligocentric or regional. In this article, we report a case of a 30-year-old male who presented with a palpable left lumbar mass, clinically suspected as sarcoma vs GIST, which was surgically excised and pathologically examined revealing a rare condition of intra-abdominal unicentric Castleman's Disease with good prognosis. Castleman's Disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal masses, especially in equivocal cases.

Atypical Combination of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and Multicentric Castleman Disease

Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder with unicentric (UCD) and multicentric (MCD) forms, first detailed by Benjamin Castleman in 1956. It has three subtypes: hyaline vascular, plasma cell, and mixed. CD incidence is higher in HIV patients and is often associated with human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8). We report a 68-year-old woman with diabetes and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), which was diagnosed six months prior to presentation, who presented with lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and B symptoms. Imaging showed diffuse adenopathy. Biopsy confirmed the plasma cell subtype of MCD, with polyclonal plasmacytosis. The patient tested negative for HIV and HHV-8. Initial treatment with rituximab and corticosteroids resolved her symptoms. Six years later, she relapsed and was treated with an anti-IL-6 agent, which she could not complete due to adverse effects but still showed symptom improvement. This case is notable for the patient's age and the plasma cell subtype of MCD, as well as the concurrent diagnosis of MCTD. The patient's clinical presentation and histopathological findings underscore the importance of considering CD in the differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy with systemic symptoms. Chronic inflammation and B lymphocyte proliferation, potentially linking MCTD and CD, were evident in this case. Despite extensive comorbidities, the patient remained clinically stable due to intensive multidisciplinary management. CD is a rare, heterogeneous disorder requiring a high index of suspicion. The potential link between CD and MCTD warrants further research. Effective management involves targeted therapies and close monitoring due to relapse risk. This case underscores the importance of individualized treatment plans considering comorbidities and treatment tolerability. Further research is needed to better understand CD's pathogenesis and develop effective treatments.

Unexpected diagnosis of rare mesenteric Castleman disease: A case report and literature review

In this report, we present an Asian male patient who was 30 years old and admitted to the hospital due to pancreatitis. While undergoing a CT scan, an isolated mass was unexpectedly discovered in the patient's abdomen. The patient's abdominal pain, which was caused by pancreatitis, had resolved before he underwent surgical resection to remove the mass. Subsequently, the patient was diagnosed with Castleman disease based on pathology. Castleman disease occurring in the mesentery is exceptionally rare. Therefore, we have reviewed the essential information regarding Castleman disease and have found that the crucial part lies in the diagnosis and the consideration of distinct treatment strategies based on different types.

Castleman disease of the renal hilum: A rare case report

Castleman's disease is a rare benign lymphangioproliferative disorder. The hyaline vascular subtype has a better outcome and is curable after surgical resection. Typically, Castleman disease manifests in the thorax, with rare reports of a renal hilum location. We present a 42-year-old male patient who had an incidentally detected right hilar hyaline vascular type of Castleman's disease, which we managed with surgical excision. Cross-sectional imaging modalities help in suggesting the diagnosis based on enhancement patterns and, more importantly, define the extent of the tumor pre-operatively. Although the renal hilum is a rare location for Castleman disease, it needs to be considered when imaging features suggest it.

A rare presentation of unicentric Castleman's disease in the thigh: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Castleman's disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative, emulating both benign and malignant diseases. The diagnosis of CD is formulated upon the combination of clinical and laboratory criteria and ultimately confirmed by histopathological assessment. Due to its rarity, CD presents a challenge in treatment selection, with available options encompassing surgery, chemotherapy, and autologous stem cell transplantation. However, studies suggest that surgical resection of the lesion is the most effective treatment modality, especially for unicentric CD (UCD).

CASE SUMMARY

Here, we describe the case of a 25-year-old woman who presented with painless left thigh swelling for 10 wk. She had been following a low-fat diet to lose weight and had normal laboratory results. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-circumscribed, demarcated cystic lesion located in the left inguinal region with eccentrically positioned signal void vascular structures, measuring 4.3 cm × 3 cm × 3.2 cm, likely of lymphoid origin. The patient underwent surgical resection, and the final histopathology showed a vascular proliferation and hyalinization of the vessel walls, along with atretic germinal centers traversed by penetrating vessels, consistent with CD. The patient was discharged home one day after the procedure in good condition, with a follow-up appointment scheduled in our outpatient clinic.

CONCLUSION

Although surgical resection is the mainstay for UCD, a multidisciplinary approach is needed due the lack of specific diagnostic features and treatments.

Ten-year anemia as initial manifestation of Castleman disease in the abdominal cavity: A case report

Castleman disease (CD) is a relatively rare lymphoproliferative disorder. Lesions predominantly originate on the chest and neck and rarely occur on the abdomen. A 34-year-old female presented to our hospital with an unexplained 10-year history of anemia. A pathological diagnosis of plasma cell-type CD was established. One cycle of chemotherapy (thalidomide, cyclophosphamide, and prednisolone) improved her anemia significantly. Prompt etiological diagnosis and early intervention are essential to address systemic manifestations in patients with CD, and it is crucial to consider CD as a differential diagnosis when intra-abdominal masses are detected.

Unicentric Castleman disease: A case report of an atypical presentation and successful management

INTRODUCTION

Castleman Disease (CD) is a rare benign disorder characterized by abnormal lymphoid tissue growth. It can be classified as unicentric CD (UCD) affecting a single lymph node region or multicentric CD (MCD) involving multiple regions. While UCD typically occurs in the mediastinum, MCD is associated with inflammatory symptoms and abnormal lab findings. We present a case of a young Syrian male with pelvic UCD, exhibiting unusual symptoms. Surgical excision led to complete recovery.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 27-year-old male presented with a well-defined pelvic mass discovered during routine ultrasonography. Symptoms included fever, fatigue, weight loss, and lower extremity numbness. Laboratory analysis revealed lymphocytopenia. Imaging identified a retroperitoneal pelvic mass, raising concerns of lymphoma. Surgical resection confirmed Castleman disease, specifically the hyaline vascular variant, dispelling malignancy concerns. Post-surgery, the patient demonstrated complete recovery, with normalized lymphocyte count and resolution of symptoms, affirming the effectiveness of the treatment.

DISCUSSION

Castleman Disease (CD) is characterized by abnormal lymphoid tissue growth. It presents as Unicentric (UCD) or Multicentric (MCD) forms. UCD cases are usually asymptomatic or show compressive symptoms due to mass effect, while MCD is associated with systemic symptoms. The estimated UCD incidence is 16 cases per million person-years, with median age at diagnosis around 30-34 years. Histologically, UCD is categorized into hyaline vascular (HV) and plasma cell (PC) variants. In this case, systemic symptoms and lymphocytopenia deviated from typical UCD presentation, leading to initial lymphoma suspicions. Surgical intervention facilitated recovery without adjuvant therapies.

CONCLUSION

This study emphasizes the spectrum of Castleman Disease (CD) manifestations, distinguishing Unicentric (UCD) and Multicentric (MCD) forms crucial for accurate management. It highlights atypical pelvic UCD presentation and successful surgical treatment's importance.

From Castleman disease histopathological features to idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease: a multiparametric approach to exclude potential iMCD histopathological mimickers

AIMS

International consensus diagnostic criteria for idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) includes lymph node Castleman disease (CD) histopathological features as major criteria. Our aim was to apply those criteria in a series of 42 cases with CD to find differences among unicentric CD, iMCD, HHV-8+multicentric CD (HHV-8+MCD) and POEMS/plasma cell neoplasia (PCN)-associated CD.

METHODS

Available clinical and laboratory criteria were collected. Histopathological features (germinal centre hyperplasia/regression, plasmacytosis, hypervascularity and follicular dendritic cell (FDC) prominence) were graded and immunohistochemistry with antibodies against CD20, CD3, CD138, HHV-8, Ig isotype (IgG, IgG4, IgA, IgM, IgD), kappa, lambda was performed in all cases.

RESULTS

Fourteen cases had hyaline-vascular type unicentric CD, 15 were HHV-8+MCD, 7 cases PCN/POEMS-associated CD and 5 cases were iMCD. One case was consistent with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) lymphadenopathy. Differences in grading of the CD-associated histopathological features showed that FDC proliferation was prominent in unicentric CD, hypervascularity was increased in HHV-8 positive MCD and germinal centre hyperplasia was restricted to iMCD cases and SLE. Monotypic plasma cells were readily identifiable in the lymph node biopsies in 43% of PCN/POEMS-associated CD. All three cases had lambda light chain restriction with IgA (two cases) and IgG (one case) isotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

HHV-8+ MCD and PCN/POEMS-related CD are the major mimickers of iMCD in lymph node biopsies. Grading of the five histopathological features for CD might be useful to, in conjunction with complete ancillary testing, suggest for specific disease entities.

Preoperative Direct Puncture Embolization of Castleman Disease of the Parotid Gland: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Castleman disease (CD) is an uncommon benign lymphoproliferative disease characterized by hypervascular lymphoid hyperplasia. We present a unique case of unicentric CD of the parotid gland treated by preoperative direct puncture embolization.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 27-year-old female patient was admitted for a right neck mass. Ultrasound examination and MRI scan documented a hypervascular mass within the right parotid gland. Preoperative embolization was performed by direct puncture technique: a needle was inserted into the core of the mass under both ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance and SQUID 12 was injected into the mass under fluoroscopic control, achieving a total devascularization.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative direct puncture embolization was safe and effective and provides excellent hemostatic control during the surgical operation, limiting the amount of intraoperative bleeding.

Unicentric Castleman's disease in the parotid gland associated with psoriasis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Castleman's disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder that is often misdiagnosed because of its untypical clinical or imaging features except for a painless mass. Besides, it is also difficult to cure Castleman's disease due to its unclear pathogenesis.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a Castleman's disease case with diagnostic significance regarding a 54-year-old Chinese male who has a painless mass in his left parotid gland for 18 months with a 30-years history of autoimmune disease psoriasis. Computed tomography scan showed a high-density nodule with clear boundaries in the left parotid and multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the left submandibular and neck region. General checkup, the extremely elevated serum interleukin-6 and lymph node biopsy in the left submandibular region gave us an initial suspicion of Castleman's disease. Then the patient underwent a left superficial parotidectomy. Based on histopathologic analysis, we made a certain diagnosis of Castleman's disease and gave corresponding treatments. In 18 months of follow-up, the patient showed no evidence of recurrence, with the level of serum interleukin-6 decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of Castleman's disease when faced with masses or enlarged lymph nodes in the parotid gland to avoid misdiagnosis, especially in patients with autoimmune diseases and elevated serum interleukin-6.

Hodgkin Lymphoma-related Inflammatory Modification-displayed Castleman Disease-like Histological Features and Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Usefulness for the Differential Diagnosis

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) are markedly different conditions. However, in some cases, histological similarities caused by elevated cytokines, including interleukin-6, can lead to a misdiagnosis of HL as Castleman disease (CD). We herein report a patient with HL who had been diagnosed with CD by an expert panel and for whom an additional biopsy was useful for determining the correct diagnosis. Furthermore, we analyzed the positron emission tomography/computed tomography findings at the diagnosis and found that the maximum standardized uptake value was useful for distinguishing HL from iMCD.

Clinical features and outcomes in patients with human immunodeficiency virus-negative, Castleman's disease: a single medical center study in Tunisia

INTRODUCTION

Castleman's disease (CD), known as angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia, is an uncommon condition. The two most common histological subtypes are hyaline vascular and plasma cell. We performed a retrospective analysis to define the clinic-pathological features and survival of CD, which is quite rare focusing on the particularities of our series with a review of the recent literature.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study conducted in the department of internal medicine of Hedi Chaker hospital in Sfax, Tunisia over 25 years. The disease was histologically confirmed in all patients. For each file, we collected a set of data by filling in a pre-designed form.

RESULTS

18 patients were included. There were 8 men and 10 women with a mean age of 42.8 years. CD was monocentric in 5 cases (28%) and multicentric in 13 cases (72%). Clinically, peripheral adenopathy was present in 77.7% of patients and deep adenopathy in 72.2%. Systemic signs were found in 13 patients, including general condition (4.4%), fever (16.6%), serositis (27.7%), and skin involvement (33.3%). A biological inflammatory syndrome accompanied the clinical picture in 66% of patients. Abnormalities in the blood count were found in 12 cases (66%), with anemia in 11 cases, thrombocytosis in 3 cases, and hypereosinophilia in 3 cases. Cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma was associated with Castleman's disease in 2 cases, Hodgkin's lymphoma, angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, and lymph node T-cell lymphoma were found in 1 case respectively. 3 of the patients had associated connective tissue diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome in 2 cases and rheumatoid arthritis in 1 case. HHV8 serology was positive in 1 case with a multicentric plasma cell form. Histologically, the plasma cell form represented 50% of cases, hyaline-vascular (39% of cases), and mixed (11% of cases). Therapeutically, high-dose corticosteroid therapy was initiated in 13 cases. As a second-line treatment, MOPP chemotherapy was used in 1 case due to transformation into Hodgkin's lymphoma, and biotherapy (rituximab) was used in 2 cases in the multicentric form. Surgical removal of superficial adenopathy was performed in 2 patients with monocentric CD.

CONCLUSION

: Castleman's disease (CD) is a non-malignant lymphoproliferation of localized or multicentric form with a wide and heterogeneous clinical spectrum. Diagnosis can be difficult due to the lack of clinical and radiological specificity. Management depends on the clinical form involving surgical and/or medical management.

Retroperitoneal paraduodenal unicentric Castleman disease: case report and review of the literature

Castleman disease is a rare and benign disorder, characterized by enlarged lymph nodes and angiofollicular lymphoid hyperplasia. We report a case of a 57-year-old male, who was admitted to our surgical department because of a retroperitoneal nodular mass measuring about 4 cm in maximum diameter, incidentally discovered on a radiologic exam performed for the onset of vague abdominal pain with posterior irradiation. The patient was subdue to laparoscopic removal of the mass and no intra- and post-operative complications were recorded. Histologic diagnosis of hyaline-vascular variant of the Castleman disease was confirmed. Only two cases have been found in the literature reporting the paraduodenal unicentric Castleman disease localization like our case. Although rare, the Castleman disease must be considered in the differential diagnosis among all the lymph nodes diseases, for avoiding improper therapies.

Retroperitoneal Castleman's disease in a young Nepalese girl: A rare cause of childhood abdominal mass

Introduction

Castleman's disease (CD), or benign angio-follicular lymph node hyperplasia, is an uncommon condition in childhood. When a child presents with a huge retroperitoneal mass and inconclusive findings on clinico-radiological evaluation or tissue sampling, management becomes exceedingly difficult. CD herein becomes an uncommon presentation of an uncommon diagnosis.

Case presentation

A six-year-old girl with no past medical problems presented to the office with a slowly progressive, painless mass over the right lumbar region for a year. Abdominal ultrasound showed a well-defined oval mass in the right periumbilical region, further evaluation of which with a computed tomography scan suggested lymphoma. A preoperative core-cut biopsy could not confirm the findings and suggested a neoplastic lesion, probably an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour or small round cell tumour. She underwent an exploratory laparotomy with in-toto excision of the mass. Intraoperatively, a solid retroperitoneal tumour measuring 8×8×6 cm was found. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed a unicentric CD of the hyaline-vascular type. At two years of follow-up, she remained asymptomatic and disease-free.

Conclusion

While CD in children is rare, retroperitoneal localization of the same can further add to the diagnostic conundrum. However, if carefully considered, an en-bloc surgical resection offers complete treatment.

Hyaline Vascular Variant of Castleman Disease of the Tonsil in an Adolescent: A case Report

Castleman disease (CD) is a lymphoproliferative disorder classified into two categories as unicentric Castleman disease (UCD) or localized type and multicentric Castleman disease (MCD). A rare case of hyaline vascular variant of tonsil has been presented in which a 14 years old male presented with symptomatic unilateral hypertrophy of right tonsil. A right tonsillectomy was done and surgical pathology report was concluded as hyaline vascular variant of Castleman's disease.Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder also called as giant lymph node hyperplasia, angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia (AFH), angiomatous lymphoid hematoma and follicular lymphoreticuloma. The treatment of symptomatic patients with UCD is complete surgical excision (as in present case). In cases with incomplete resection, adjuvant radiotherapy can be given.

Clinical value of [18F]F-FDG PET/CT in patients with suspected paraneoplastic dermatoses: Diagnostic performance and impact on clinical management

PURPOSE

We retrospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance of 2-deoxy-2[18F]fuoro-D-glucose([18F]F-FDG) PET/CT and its impact on clinical management in patients with suspected paraneoplastic dermatoses (PD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From an institutional PET/CT database (2014-2022), we retrospectively analyzed patients who were clinically suspected with PD and underwent [18F]F-FDG PET/CT for screening an underlying malignancy. For all scans, positive mucocutaneous lesions and PET-indicated malignancies were assessed, and the degree of FDG avidity among different dermatoses were quantified. The final diagnoses of dermatoses and neoplasms were based on pathologic results, international diagnostic standard and follow-up. We assessed the recommended and applied therapies before and after [18F]F-FDG PET/CT and noted whether the patient management changed on the basis of the [18F]F-FDG PET/CT results.

RESULTS

We analyzed 60 patients with 10 types of dermatoses in this study. Finally, 19 of the 60 patients who had both of specific dermatosis and contemporaneous neoplasm were diagnosed with PD. [18F]F-FDG PET could identify the underlying neoplasms in 18/19 (94.7%) PD patients, and led to a change of the management in 9/19 (47.4%) PD patients. In addition, the mucocutaneous manifestations of [18F]F-FDG PET/CT associated with several specific dermatoses were characteristic.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlighted the value of [18F]F-FDG PET/CT as a useful tool for evaluation of patients with suspected PD to unveil the underlying culprit tumor, and profoundly supports the clinical management of PD patients.

Castleman Disease of the Parapharyngeal Space in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

The Castleman Disease (CD), also recognized as giant lymph node hyperplasia or vascular follicular lymphoid hyperplasia, is an infrequent lymphoproliferative disorder with substantial clinical variability. Parapharyngeal location of this disease is very rare and in pediatric population it is even rarer. This article presents a case of Unicentric CD (hyaline vascular type) in an 8-year-old female, where the disease was localized within the parapharyngeal space. Clinical manifestations were limited to the presence of a local mass, with no other specific symptoms observed. Laboratory assessments revealed no significant abnormalities. She underwent surgery using a cervical-parotid approach and experienced a good postoperative recovery. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis. This case underscores the need for a comprehensive evaluation and consideration of uncommon etiologies in the assessment of parapharyngeal masses, even in pediatric patients.

The Role of Radiation Therapy in Unicentric Castleman Disease: A Case Report

Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by localized (unicentric) or systemic (multicentric) lymphadenopathy. This study presents a unique case of a 29-year-old female with a rare pelvic presentation of unicentric Castleman disease, specifically the hyaline vascular variant. Despite surgical resection, an unresectable residual lesion prompted adjuvant radiotherapy and subsequent chemotherapy. The literature highlights surgical resection as the primary treatment for localized Castleman disease; however, radiotherapy and combined chemotherapy regimens like cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) have shown promise in unresectable cases, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach. This case underscores the importance of tailoring treatment strategies for uncommon Castleman disease presentations.

Castleman disease: Experience from a single institution

Castleman disease (CD) describes a group of rare heterogeneous lymphoproliferative disorders characterized by enlarged hyperplastic lymph nodes. It is classified into unicentric CD (UCD) and multicentric CD (MCD). The present retrospective study examined the data of 11 patients with CD diagnosed and treated at a tertiary cancer center from 2017 to 2022. The median age of the study group was 41 years (range, 24 to 68 years). There were 8 males and 3 females. In total, 7 patients were diagnosed with UCD and 4 patients with MCD. The hyaline-vascular variant was the most common histology in both UCD and MCD. Among the 7 patients with UCD, 5 patients underwent excision, 1 patient underwent debulking followed by radiotherapy and 1 patient received single agent rituximab. Of the patients with UCD, 6 had a complete response (CR) and 1 patient had a partial response (PR). All 4 patients with MCD received systemic treatment, which included single agent rituximab (2 patients), rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone (RCHOP) (1 patient) and CHOP (1 patient). Among the patients with MCD, 1 patient attained a CR, 2 patients had a PR and 1 patient succumbed. The 3-year survival rate for the study population was 91%. In summary, CD is a rare disease occurring in immunodeficient patients. UCD is more common and is associated with better outcomes. Surgery is the mainstay of management in UCD whereas MCD requires combination chemotherapy.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Siltuximab for Australian Public Investment in the Rare Condition Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman Disease

OBJECTIVES

This paper presents an Australian model that formed part of the health technology assessment for public investment in siltuximab for the rare condition of idiopathic Multicentric Castleman Disease (iMCD) in Australia.

METHODS

Two literature reviews were conducted to identify the appropriate comparator and model structure. Survival gain based on available clinical trial data were modelled using an Excel-based model semi-Markov model including time-varying transition probabilities, an adjustment for trial crossover and long-term data. A 20-year horizon was taken, and an Australian healthcare system perspective was adopted, with both benefits and costs discounted at 5%. The model was informed with an inclusive stakeholder approach that included a review of the model by an independent economist, Australian clinical expert opinion and feedback from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC). The price used in the economic evaluation reflects a confidential discounted price, which was agreed to with the PBAC.

RESULTS

An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of A$84,935 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained was estimated. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of A$100,000 per QALY, siltuximab has a 72.1% probability of being cost-effective compared with placebo and best supportive care. Sensitivity analyses results were most sensitive to the length of interval between administrations (from 3- to 6-weekly) and crossover adjustments.

CONCLUSION

Within a collaborative and inclusive stakeholder framework, the model submitted to the Australian PBAC found siltuximab to be cost-effective for the treatment of iMCD.

Hyaline-vascular type unicentric Castleman disease with dysplastic follicular dendritic cell proliferative lesions: a case report

Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disease. Hyaline-vascular type unicentric CD has a good prognosis if completely resected during surgery. However, follicular dendritic cell proliferative lesions have the potential for recurrence and metastasis. A 22-year-old man was referred to our hospital with the chief complaint of nausea and vomiting. These symptoms were caused by a right mesocolonic tumor pushing the duodenum. The patient underwent laparoscopic tumorectomy and complete surgical excision. The postoperative course was uneventful, with no complications. Pathological examination confirmed that the tumor was an enlarged lymph node, typical of hyaline vascular-type CD; however, follicular dendritic cell proliferative lesions were noted. We report a rare case of hyaline-vascular-type CD with follicular dendritic cell proliferative lesions associated with malignancy, as limited case reports exist on this particular disease.

Castleman's disease: A report of two cases at a tertiary hospital in Northern Tanzania

Castleman's disease is a rare lympho-proliferative disease entity characterized by variable clinical presentations, distinctive histological manifestations, and prognosis. Its incidence and etiology are unclear. An interplay of HIV and human herpesvirus-8 has been implicated. Although its localized variety is benign, other types can be multifocal with adverse systemic manifestations. Human herpesvirus-8 Castleman's disease affects mainly HIV-positive individuals; however, individuals who are immunocompromised from other causes can also be affected, thus necessitating investigations for HIV. Herein, we report two patients presenting with long-standing lymphadenopathy. Histopathology, immunohistochemical testing and clinico-pathological correlation confirmed the diagnosis of Castleman's disease. The patients were successfully treated with surgery and/or rituximab. They were symptoms free in the subsequent follow-up visits. A brief review of the literature is also provided.

Analysis of characteristics of four patients with adrenal unicentric Castleman disease

Background

Castleman Disease (CD) is a group of diseases with characteristic lymph node histopathology, characterized by marked enlargement of deep or superficial lymph nodes. Adrenal CD is rarely reported, and an accurate preoperative diagnosis of adrenal CD is difficult.

Method

We report four cases of CD in the adrenal gland confirmed by pathology and review the characteristics of this rare disease, highlighting the necessity of diagnostic evaluation and follow-up of the patients.

Results

All of the patients sought medical advice because of adrenal incidentalomas. No significant abnormalities were presented in the biochemistry or endocrine systems. The imaging suggested a moderate-to-large mass with uneven moderate contrast enhancement of the adrenal region, similar to a pheochromocytoma. All cases were misdiagnosed as pheochromocytomas before operation and finally confirmed by histopathology. Three cases were pathologically diagnosed as hyaline vascular CD, and one case was diagnosed as plasma cell CD. All the patients are alive without recurrence after a median follow-up of 8 years.

Conclusion

The adrenal CD should be considered after excluding pheochromocytoma and malignancy in the adrenal region. The long-term prognosis of patients with complete resection of the mass is excellent.

Case report: Successful treatment of mediastinal unicentric castleman disease using cardiopulmonary bypass

Unicentric Castleman disease (UCD) is a rare, benign lymphoproliferative disorder. Mediastinal UCD has tumors with no clear boundaries that are highly vascularized. Resection surgery results in bleeding, leading to further challenges. Mixed-type UCD is rare. We report the case of a 38-year-old asymptomatic patient with mixed-type UCD; the tumor measured 7.8 cm in size and had unclear boundaries. The tumor was successfully resected by performing a cardiopulmonary bypass on the beating heart; the patient recovered uneventfully.

A national, multicenter, retrospective study of Castleman disease in China implementing CDCN criteria

BACKGROUND

Castleman disease (CD) is a group of rare and heterogenous lymphoproliferative disorders including unicentric CD (UCD), human herpesvirus-8(HHV-8)-associated multicentric CD (HHV8-MCD), and HHV-8-negative/idiopathic multicentric CD (iMCD). Knowledge of CD mainly comes from case series or retrospective studies, but the inclusion criteria of these studies vary because the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN) diagnostic criteria for iMCD and UCD were not available until 2017 and 2020, respectively. Further, these criteria and guidelines have not been systematically evaluated.

METHODS

In this national, multicenter, retrospective study implementing CDCN criteria, we enrolled 1634 CD patients (UCD, n = 903; MCD, n = 731) from 2000 to 2021 at 40 Chinese institutions to depict clinical features, treatment options, and prognostic factors of CD.

FINDINGS

Among UCD, there were 162 (17.9%) patients with an MCD-like inflammatory state. Among MCD, there were 12 HHV8-MCD patients and 719 HHV-8-negative MCD patients, which included 139 asymptomatic MCD (aMCD) and 580 iMCD meeting clinical criteria. Of 580 iMCD patients, 41 (7.1%) met iMCD-TAFRO criteria, the others were iMCD-NOS. iMCD-NOS were further divided into iMCD-IPL (n = 97) and iMCD-NOS without IPL (n = 442). Among iMCD patients with first-line treatment data, a trend from pulse combination chemotherapy toward continuous treatment was observed. Survival analysis revealed significant differences between subtypes and severe iMCD (HR = 3.747; 95% CI: 2.112-6.649, p < 0.001) had worse outcome.

INTERPRETATION

This study depicts a broad picture of CD, treatment options and survival information in China and validates the association between the CDCN's definition of severe iMCD and worse outcomes, requiring more intensive treatment.

FUNDINGS

Beijing Municipal Commission of Science and Technology, CAMS Innovation Fund and National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding.

Paraneoplastic Pemphigus Mimicking Pemphigus Vulgaris Associated With Castleman Disease

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a rare bullous disease with a polymorphic presentation. Diagnosis can be difficult because it can mimic other bullous diseases, while the underlying neoplasm may be completely asymptomatic. We present the case of a 19-year-old female with a four-year history of exclusively oral bullous lesions, mimicking pemphigus vulgaris, before the diagnosis of a retroperitoneal Castleman disease. While PNP is a severe and sometimes deadly condition, our patient had a mild and long evolution on minimal treatment, with complete resolution after tumor excision. Practitioners should be aware of PNP in young patients presenting with bullous disease and should conduct prompt systemic investigations in refractory or long-evolving cases, even when PNP diagnostic criteria are not fully met.

Unicentric form of Castleman´s disease, pitfalls of diagnosis and surgical treatment

Background

Castleman´s disease is an extremely rare heterogenous lymphoproliferative pathology with a mostly benign behavior. It is a localized or generalized lymph node enlargement of an unknown aetiology. Unicentric form is typically a slow-growing solitary mass occurring mostly in the mediastinum, abdominal cavity, retroperitoneum, pelvis and neck. Aetiology and pathogenesis of CD is probably diverse, varying in different types of this heterogeneous disease.

Materials and Methods

Authors present a review of this issue based on their extensive experience. The aim is to summarize the crucial factors in the management of diagnostics and a surgical treatment of the unicentric form of Castleman´s disease. One of the key issues in the unicentric form is precise preoperative diagnostics and thus choosing the right surgical treatment strategy. Authors highlight pitfalls of the diagnosis and surgical treatment.

Results

All histological types such as a hyaline vascular type, plasmacytic type and a mixed type are presented as well as options of surgical and conservative treatment. Differential diagnosis and malignant potential is discussed.

Conclusion

Patients with Castleman´s disease should be treated in the high- volume centers, with a great experience in major surgical procedures as well as with preoperative imaging diagnostic techniques. Specialized pathologists and oncologists focusing on this issue are also absolutely necessary to avoid misdiagnosis. Only this complex approach can lead to excellent outcomes in patients with UCD.

Case report: Importance of early and continuous tocilizumab therapy in nephrotic syndrome associated with idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease: A case series

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is a systemic and polyclonal lymphoproliferative disease involving multiple organs, including the kidneys, due to the overproduction of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Recently, several reports have suggested that excessive IL-6 actions in iMCD could have a causal relationship with the development of diverse histopathological renal manifestations that cause nephrotic syndrome. However, the treatment for such cases remains unclear. We report a series of three cases of nephrotic syndrome due to iMCD that helps to delineate the importance of early and continuous therapy with the anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab. First, treatment was suspended for infectious control, and the patient presented with nephrotic syndrome due to diffuse mesangial and endocapillary hypercellularity without immune deposits complicating acute kidney injury. Second, iMCD was treated with prednisolone alone. The patient suddenly developed nephrotic syndrome due to immune-complex glomerulonephritis, not otherwise specified, complicated with acute kidney injury. In the third case, nephrotic syndrome secondary to membranous glomerulonephritis was diagnosed, with a skin rash and IgE antibodies to tocilizumab, and was therefore treated with prednisolone alone. In contrast to the first two cases, the third progressed to end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis. Taken together, this series suggests that clinicians should maintain clinical vigilance for iMCD as a possible underlying component of nephrotic syndrome, since iMCD presents with a variety of renal pathologies. Prompt initiation and continuous administration of tocilizumab are likely key determinants of renal outcomes in such cases. In particular, when tocilizumab is suspended due to infection or in the perioperative period, consideration of its expeditious resumption should be made, taking into account both the withdrawal period and systemic conditions.

18F-FDG PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT in the diagnosis of Castleman disease

OBJECTIVE

Castleman disease (CD) is a rare group of lymphoproliferative disorders, which is easily confused with lymphoma or other solid tumors. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the diagnostic role of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) in patients with CD.

METHODS

Clinicopathological characteristics, and ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT and CECT findings and parameters were retrospectively reviewed in 32 patients with CD.

RESULTS

These 32 patients (12 males, 20 females; median age, 41 years) consisted of 17 unicentric CD (UCD) patients and 15 multicentric CD (MCD) patients. Compared with MCD, UCD had a higher prevalence in female (82.4% vs. 40.0%) and hyaline vascular subtype (94.1% vs. 40.0%) (P < 0.05). FDG uptake was avid in all cases, including moderate uptake in 7 cases and intense uptake in 25 cases. The median SUVmax, SUVmean, MLV, and TLG of all cases were 4.4 (range, 1.4-23.6), 2.7 (range, 1.1-15.2), 26.6 (range, 4.8-393.0), and 78.8 (range, 9.4-1545.6), respectively. The lesions of 29 cases showed homogeneous enhancement, and marked enhancement was observed in 27 cases. ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT corrected 6.3% CECT diagnoses, while CECT corrected 37.5% PET/CT diagnosis. The accuracy of combined PET/CT and CECT was superior to PET/CT or CECT alone (78.1%, 31.3%, and 62.5%). Besides, higher SUVmax and SUVmean were found in male subjects, MCD, and plasma cell subtype (P < 0.05), while higher MLV and TLG were observed in larger lesion size and volume (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Castleman disease most commonly appears as marked and homogeneous enhancement meanwhile with moderate or intense FDG uptake. ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT combined with CECT was the effectively diagnostic modality for CD. The glucose metabolism of CD was associated with gender, clinical classification, histopathological classification, and lesion size and volume.

[Castleman disease]

The term "Castleman disease" covers a variety of entities that have very different clinical, biological, pathological and physiopathological features. In this issue, we review the characteristics of the unicentric Castleman disease, of the HHV8 associated multicentric Castleman disease and the idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease associated or not with TAFRO syndrome ("thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin myelofibrosis and/or renal insufficiency, organomegaly"). We detail the differential diagnostics of these entities.