Assessment of Bone Marrow Involvement in Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma: Positron Emission Tomography versus Bone Marrow Biopsy, and the Significance of Minimal Involvement by EBV+ Cells (KROG 18-09)

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the diagnostic significance of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in assessing bone marrow (BM) involvement through a comparison of PET/CT findings with BM biopsy in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of 193 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized as having early-stage (PET-ES) or advanced-stage (PET-AS) disease based on PET/CT results. The BM involvement was classified into three groups according to BM biopsy: gross BM involvement, minimal BM involvement (defined as the presence of a limited number of Epstein-Barr virus-positive cells in BM), and no involvement. Calculations of the accuracy of PET/CT in detecting BM involvement and analysis of the clinical outcomes (progression-free survival [PFS] and overall survival [OS]) according to the BM biopsy status were performed.

RESULTS

PET/CT exhibited a sensitivity of 64.7% and a specificity of 96.0% in detecting gross BM involvement. For detecting any (both gross and minimal) BM involvement, the sensitivity was 30.4%, while the specificity was 99.0%. Only one patient (0.7%) demonstrated gross BM involvement among the PET-ES group. Survival outcomes of the PET-ES group with minimal BM involvement (3-year PFS, 55.6%; OS, 77.0%) were closer to those of the PET-ES group with no BM involvement (3-year PFS, 62.2%; OS, 80.6%) than to those of the PET-AS group (3-year PFS, 20.1%; OS, 29.9%).

CONCLUSION

PET/CT exhibits high specificity, but moderate and low sensitivity in detecting gross and minimal BM involvement, respectively. The clinical significance of minimal BM involvement for patients in the PET-ES group may be limited.

Appropriate timing to perform an interim 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with nasal-type extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma

Interim 18F-FDG PET/CT (I-PET) has a role in response evaluation and treatment guidance in patients with nasal-type extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma (ENKTL). However, there was no agreement on the timing of I-PET performed, after chemotherapy or after chemoradiotherapy. We aimed to find the appropriate timing for I-PET by assessing the prognostic value of I-PET in response evaluation in ENKTL patients. Two hundred and twenty-seven ENKTL patients who had undergone I-PET were retrospectively included. All patients were grouped based on their therapeutic strategy received, chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. The Deauville 5-point score (DS) was used to interpret the I-PET images. The hazard ratio (HR) and C-index were used to measure the discriminatory and prognostic capacities of I-PET performed at different times. One hundred and six patients underwent the I-PET after chemotherapy (chemotherapy group), while I-PET was performed after chemoradiotherapy in 121 patients (chemoradiotherapy group). Eighty-seven patients were classified as metabolic remission (DS score of 1-3), while the other 140 were classified as non-metabolic remission (DS score of 4-5) according to the Deauville criteria. There were no significant survival differences between patients in metabolic remission and in non-metabolic remission in either progression-free survival (PFS, p = 0.406) or overall survival (OS, p = 0.350). In the chemotherapy group, patients in metabolic remission had significantly superior PFS than patients in non-metabolic remission (p = 0.012). For OS, a discriminative trend was also found on the survival curve between patients in metabolic remission and in non-metabolic remission (p = 0.082). In the chemoradiotherapy group, there was no significant difference in PFS (P = 0.185) or OS (P = 0.627) between patients in metabolic remission and in non-metabolic remission. I-PET after chemotherapy yields higher discriminative power and has the ability for prognostic prediction in nasal-type ENKTL patients. I-PET after radiochemotherapy has no prognostic value. Thus, the appropriate timing for I-PET is after chemotherapy but before radiotherapy for response evaluation in nasal-type ENKTL patients.

Primary Extranodal Nasal-Type Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma of Lower Limb Muscles on 18 F-FDG PET/CT

ABSTRACT

Extranodal nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma may arise anywhere outside the lymph nodes, predominantly including the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, skin, testes, and salivary glands, whereas primary tumor arising in muscle is rarely documented. We report FDG PET/CT findings of primary extranodal nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma in the muscles of the right lower limb in an 82-year-old man.

FDG PET/CT in a Case of Esophageal Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type

ABSTRACT

Lymphoma involving the esophagus is rare. We describe FDG PET/CT findings in a case of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type involving the larynx, hypopharynx, and cervical and upper thoracic esophagus. The esophageal tumor showed segmentally increased FDG uptake mimicking esophagitis. This case indicates that esophageal lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of the hypermetabolic esophageal diseases.

Risk stratification and prognostic value of multi-modal MRI-based radiomics for extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performs well in the locoregional assessment of extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL). It's important to assess the value of multi-modal MRI-based radiomics for estimating overall survival (OS) in patients with ENKTCL.

METHODS

Patients with ENKTCL in a prospectively cohort were systemically reviewed and all the pretreatment MRI were acquisitioned. An unsupervised spectral clustering method was used to identify risk groups of patients and radiomic features. A nomogram-revised risk index (NRI) plus MRI radiomics signature (NRI-M) was developed, and compared with the NRI.

RESULTS

The 2 distinct type I and II groups of the MRI radiomics signatures were identified. The 5-year OS rates between the type I and type II groups were 87.2% versus 67.3% (P = 0.002) in all patients, and 88.8% versus 69.2% (P = 0.003) in early-stage patients. The discrimination and calibration of the NRI-M for OS prediction demonstrated a better performance than that of either MRI radiomics or NRI, with a mean area under curve (AUC) of 0.748 and 0.717 for predicting the 5-year OS in all-stages and early-stage patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The NRI-M model has good performance for predicting the prognosis of ENKTCL and may help design clinical trials and improve clinical decision making.

Nasal-Type NK/T-Cell Lymphoma Involvement of the Vocal Cord on FDG PET/CT

ABSTRACT

Nasal-type extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) rarely involves the vocal cord. Herein, we present a case of an ENKTL patient with vocal cord involvement revealed by FDG PET/CT. Nasopharyngoscopy showed a neoplasm in the larynx, which was eventually confirmed as ENKTL by immunohistochemical results. PET/CT was subsequently performed for staging, and intense FDG uptake in the left side of vocal cord suggested ENKTL involvement.

Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma With Widespread Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Involvement on 18 F-FDG PET/CT

ABSTRACT

Nasal-type extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma is an aggressive rare type of lymphoma that mostly affects the nasal cavity and adjacent areas. However, some patients can present with distant nodal or extranodal involvement including the Waldeyer ring, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary organs, lung, thyroid, skin, or adrenal glands. Herein, we present a unique case of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma with widespread cutaneous and subcutaneous involvement on 18 F-FDG PET/CT.

[Pretreatment evaluation of 18F-FDG PET-CT in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma]

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of pretreatment ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT) in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma. Methods: Eighty-one patients with pathologically confirmed extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma and pretreatment with PET-CT scan in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from August 2006 to December 2017 were enrolled in the study. The clinical, follow-up and imaging data were analyzed retrospectively. The relationship between maximum standard uptake value (SUV_max) and prognosis were evaluated by Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman rank correlation analysis. Results: Among the 81 patients, 98.8% (80/81) were upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) involved. Lesions at extra-UAT sites were detected in 7 cases, involving parotid gland (n=1), breast (n=1), spleen (n=1), pancreas (n=1), skin and subcutaneous soft tissue (n=1), muscle (n=1), lung (n=2) and bone (n=3). Lymph node involvement were demonstrated in 33 cases. All of the lesions had increased uptake of PET, the median SUV_max was 8.6. PET-CT changed staging in 15 cases, and 12 cases were adjusted treatment methods. 21 cases were changed radiotherapy target because of PET-CT. The 1-, 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 88.7% and 80.3% while 1-, 2-year overall survival (OS) rates were 97.2% and 94.4% respectively. The median SUV_max of patients with local lymph nodes involvement was significantly higher than those without local lymph nodes involvement (P=0.007). The SUV_max was positively associated with Ann Arbor stage (r=0.366, P=0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (r=0.308, P=0.005) and Ki-67 level (r=0.270, P=0.017). The SUV_max was inversely associated with lymphocyte count (r=-0.324, P=0.003) and hemoglobin content (r=-0.225, P=0.043). Conclusions: Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma predominantly occurs in extra-nodal organs, mainly in the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, with marked FDG-addiction. Compared with conventional imaging, ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT is sensitive and comprehensive in detecting extra-nodal NK/T-cell lymphoma involvement, assisting in accurate clinical staging and treatment planning. Pretreatment SUV_max is potential for prognosis evaluation since it is correlated with prognostic factors.

Primary extranodal natural Killer/T-cell lymphoma in a child in the colon: A case report

RATIONALE

Primary extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) rarely occurs in childhood and adolescence. To the best of our knowledge, ENKTL of childhood in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract has not been reported yet.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 12-year-old Chinese boy complained of abdominal pain and persistent fever for 1 month.

DIAGNOSIS

Grossly an ulcerated tumor with perforation was located at the proximal ascending colon, 5 cm × 4 cm × 1.5 cm in diameter. The tumor was poorly circumscribed, tan-white and solid. Histological evaluation revealed medium-sized atypical lymphoid cells with large areas of necrosis distributed throughout all layers of the colon. Small blood vessels with destroyed walls were surrounded by lymphoid cells. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) highlighted tumor cells as strongly positive for CD3, CD56, CD5, CD2, CD8, CD4, CD43, T-cell restricted intracellular antigen 1 (TIA-1) and granzyme B. The proliferation index, measured by Ki-67 expression was high with 60%. The In situ hybridization (ISH) for EBER was positive. TCR was negative. Therefore, the final diagnosis was ENKTL of childhood in the colon.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent right hemicolectomy and ileocolostomy.

OUTCOMES

We recommended further evaluation and treatment, but the patient and patient family rejected further treatment of his condition. The patient died within 1 month after being discharged from hospital as a result of his disease.

LESSONS

ENKTL of childhood in the GI tract is extremely rare. Due to the non-specific clinical symptoms, it is easy it is easy not to think of this differential diagnosis at early stage. If patients have GI symptoms, ENKTL cannot easily be ignored. It is necessary to diagnose ENKTL of childhood in the GI tract by morphology and immunohistochemistry, and to differentiate from the GI T-cell lymphomas. We hope this case may serve as a reference improving clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Primary Adrenal Lymphoma: Two Case Series From China

OBJECTIVE

Primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) is a rare form of adrenal mass. We summarize our experience in its clinical presentation, biochemical indexes, radiological features, pathological information, therapy regimens, and outcomes.

METHODS

This was an institutional review board-approved retrospective review of medical records and surgical pathology specimens of patients with a diagnosis of PAL at the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital and the First Affiliate Hospital of Xiamen University between July 2007 and July 2017.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were identified. The mean age at presentation was 60.84 ± 13.14 years with a male-to-female ratio of 2.25:1 (18:8). The most common presenting symptoms were loss of appetite (65%, 17/26), weight loss (62%, 16/26), abdominal pain (58%, 15/26), and fatigue (58%, 15/26). The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (75%, 15/20), β₂-microglobulin (100%, 10/10), C-reactive protein (82%, 14/17), and ferritin (88%, 7/8) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (83%, 10/12) were elevated. Bilateral involvement was seen in 21 of 26 patients (81%); 12 of 19 evaluated patients with bilateral lesions (63%) were confirmed to have adrenal insufficiency. On computed tomography (CT), the mean tumor diameter was 7.31 ± 3.35 cm and the median Hounsfield density was 37.0 HU (range: 31.0-45.0 HU); 67% (10/15) and 27% (4/15) of lesions presented with mild and moderate enhancement after injection of contrast medium. ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET)-CT revealed not only an adrenal tumor but also extra-adrenal lesions. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was the most common phenotype (92%, 24/26). Ninety-two percent (24/26) of patients received chemotherapy while 8% (2/26) received unilateral adrenalectomy plus chemotherapy. The prognosis of PAL was poor, with a general survival time of 7.20 ± 5.18 months.

CONCLUSION

PAL is a rare disease. The clinical characteristics of PAL include loss of appetite and weight loss. Endocrine evaluation should be performed to determine whether patients have adrenal insufficiency, especially patients with bilateral lesions. FDG-PET appears to be more accurate than other imaging modalities in revealing extra-adrenal sites. Better therapy is required to improve the poor prognosis of PAL.

Baseline SUVmax of 18F-FDG PET-CT indicates prognosis of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

To evaluate the prognostic value of the baseline SUVmax of F-FDG PET-CT in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) patients.From January 2010 to December 2015, 141 extranodal NKTCL patients with staging F-FDG PET-CT scan were divided into two group based on SUVmax cutoff value obtained from operating characteristic (ROC) curves. All the patients received radiotherapy, chemotherapy or chemoradiation. Survival analysis was performed on the basis of SUVmax.The median baseline SUVmax of the tumors was 11.67 (range 2.6-34.6). The ROC curves showed that the optimal cutoff of the baseline SUVmax was 9.65. The patients were divided into two groups: low SUV group (SUVmax < 9.65) and high SUV group (SUVmax ≥ 9.65). Patients in high SUV group were more likely to have invasive disease outside the nasal cavity (P < .001), poorer ECOG scores (P = .012) and higher LDH levels (P = .034). The univariate survival analyses indicated that high SUVmax was a poor prognostic factor for overall survival (OS, P = .038), progression free survival (PFS, P = .006) and distant relapse free survival (DRFS, P = .001), but not for local recurrence free survival (LRFS, P > .05). These results were consistent with that of the survival analyses using the Kaplan-Meier method. The multivariate survival analyses showed that the baseline SUVmax was no longer a prognostic factor for OS (HR 1.99, 95% CI 0.81-4.88, P = .135), but it still indicated worse PFS (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.24-5.46, P = .012) and DRFS (HR 4.58, 95% CI 1.83-11.46, P = .001) independent of other variables.For extranodal NKTCL patients, a higher baseline SUVmax of F-FDG PET-CT was associated with more aggressive clinical features. An SUVmax ≥ 9.65 was an independent poor prognostic factor for DRFS and PFS. Thus, the baseline SUVmax may be a valuable tool to help identify patients with a high risk of disease progression.

Combined gemcitabine, cisplatin, dexamethasone, methotrexate, and pegaspargase (GDP-ML) for patients with newly diagnosed extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma, nasal type: a single arm, single center, prospective phase 2 study

Extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKL) is a highly aggressive tumor with relatively poor prognosis. In this prospective study, we investigated the efficacy and toxicity of a novel GDP-ML regimen (combined gemcitabine, cisplatin, dexamethasone, methotrexate, and pegaspargase) as front-line treatment in newly diagnosed ENKL. Eligible newly diagnosed stage I/II ENKL patients received sandwich chemoradiation therapy. Patients with stage III/IV disease received an initial 4 cycles of GDP-ML regimen. After 4 cycles, responding patients continued to receive either autologous transplantation or additional two courses of GDP-ML. A total of 44 patients were enrolled with a median follow-up of 26 months. The overall response rate (ORR) were 78.6% for the whole cohort, 84.6% for stage I/II, and 66.7% for stage III/IV, and corresponding complete remission (CR) rates were 61.9%, 76.9%, and 33.3%. The 1- year and 2- year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 69.3% and 62.9%, and 1- year and 2-year overall survival (OS) rates were 76.5% and 67.4%, respectively. Patients with stage I/II disease showed better 2-year OS rate compared with stage III/IV patients (88.1% vs. 33.2%, p < 0.001). Patients who achieved CR had significantly better 2-year OS rate compared with non-CR patients (90.8% vs. 24.5%, p < 0.001). The main adverse event was hematologic toxicity. Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 59.1% of patients. These results indicate that GDP-ML is an effective and well-tolerated induction regimen with newly diagnosed ENKL patients. This clinical trial was registered on www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR-ONC-12002055).

Recurrence of nasal type NK/T cell lymphoma presenting as neurolymphomatosis on 18F-FDG PET/CT: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

NK/T cell lymphomas seldom involve the peripheral nervous system. We report a case of recurrent nasal type NK/T cell lymphoma presenting as neurolymphomatosis and its manifestation on F-FDG PET/CT.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 55-year old man presented with a mass in the right nasal cavity was diagnosed with extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type. F-FDG PET/CT showed intense FDG uptake within the mass. After radiotherapy the nasal tumor was completely relieved, but the patient experienced numbness and amyosthenia in the right upper extremity one week after completion of radiotherapy.

DIAGNOSIS

PET/CT showed intense FDG uptake in the brachial plexus, axillary, suprascapular and median nerves, suggestive of recurrence of lymphoma presenting as neurolymphomatosis.

INTERVENTIONS

After 1 cycle of chemotherapy, the follow-up PET/CT showed markedly reduced FDG uptake in the previous involved nerves, demonstrating a very good response of neurolymphomatosis to chemotherapy.

OUTCOMES

The patient finally had a progression free survival of 8 months after completion of 4 cycles of chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation.

LESSONS

As neurolymphomatosis is a rare neurologic manifestation in recurrence of NK/T cell lymphoma, recognition of its presentation is important for prompt diagnosis and initiating treatment approach.

Primary extranodal natural killer/T-cell nasal-type lymphoma of spine: A case report

RATIONALE

Primary Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Nasal-Type Lymphoma (ENKTCL) of spine is rarely reported. This case study presents a rare case of ENKTCL originating from the sixth thoracic vertebra.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Here, we present a case of 49-year-old Asian male with chest and back pain. Physical examination revealed the myodynamia of both lower limbs decreased from IV degree to 0 degree, reflexes of both lower limbs and a large area of cutaneous sensation below xiphoid process disappeared in 3 days.

DIAGNOSES

In immunophenotype analysis, CD2, CD3, CD7, and CD68 were positive and CD56 was suspiciously positive. Granzyme B and T-cell intracellular antigen (TIA-1) were also positive and in situ hybridization was positive for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded mRNA (EBER). Ki-67 was 60%+. Nuclide bone scan showed that the nuclide was unusually concentrated in the sixth thoracic vertebra which considered extremely active and slightly concentrated in the right sacrolilac joint. Magnetic resonance imaging detected an abnormal signal in the sixth thoracic vertebra with corresponding paravertebral and intraspinal occupying lesion. Based on the above features, a diagnosis of ENKTCL was made.

INTERVENTIONS

This patient was treated with surgery and symptomatic supportive treatment.

OUTCOMES

The myodynamia of patient's both lower limbs were elevated to I degree after the operation with chest and back pain partly relieved. However, the patient died about 3 months later.

LESSONS

ENKTCL could originate from spine. Clinicians should be alert for early stage diagnose and distinguish it from some common spinal tumor such as neurofibroma and hemangioma.

Recurrent natural killer/T-cell lymphoma of the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct in a 59-year-old Caucasian woman

A 59-year-old Caucasian woman with past medical history significant for Natural Killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma of the right nasal septum in remission for nine months presented after surveillance PET-CT imaging revealed increased metabolic activity in the right nasolacrimal duct. She also reported ipsilateral epiphora starting around this time. The lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal ductal mucosa were biopsied via an external approach. Pathologic evaluation revealed a proliferation of lymphoid cells with necrotic tissue. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated predominantly CD3+, EBER+, and CD56+ cells indicating recurrent NK/T-cell lymphoma. This case describes an unusual presentation of recurrent NK/T-cell lymphoma involving the lacrimal excretory system in a Caucasian adult. Recurrent malignancy should be considered in the differential of any patient with a history of a lymphoproliferative disorder near the lacrimal drainage system who presents with new onset epiphora.

Prognostic value of baseline, interim and end-of-treatment 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: A meta-analysis

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Medline databases for eligible articles. SUVmax, MTV, and TLG on B-PET/CT, DS on I-PET/CT and DS on E-PET/CT were regarded as efficacy data. Combined hazard ratios (HRs) for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Nine trials with a total of 535 ENKTL patients were included. SUVmax, MTV and TLG on B-PET/CT were significantly associated with PFS with HRs of 2.78 (95%CI 1.54-5.03), 3.61 (95%CI 1.96-6.65) and 5.62 (95%CI 1.94-16.33), respectively, and with OS with HRs of 4.78 (95%CI 2.29-9.96), 3.20 (95%CI 1.55-6.60) and 7.76 (95%CI 1.79-33.58), respectively. For the DS on I-PET/CT, the HRs for PFS and OS were 5.15 (95%CI 2.71-9.80) and 5.80 (95%CI 2.28-14.73), respectively. Similarly, the DS on E-PET/CT was a significant predictor of PFS and OS with HRs of 3.65 (95%CI 2.13-6.26) and 3.32 (95%CI 1.79-6.15), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that SUVmax, MTV, TLG on B-PET/CT, DS on I-PET/CT and DS on E-PET/CT may be significant prognostic indicators for PFS and OS in ENKTL patients. Moreover, TLG tends to be superior to SUVmax and MTV on B-PET/CT for predicting survival of ENKTL patients. Therefore, response monitoring and prognostication assessments based on multiple PET/CT parameters should be considered in the management of ENKTL patients.

Prognostic significance of standardized uptake value on F18-FDG PET/CT in patients with extranodal nasal type NK/T cell lymphoma: A multicenter, retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of parameters assessed with F18-flurodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in predicting relapse free survival and overall survival in patients with extranodal nasal type NK/T cell lymphoma.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients with extranodal nasal type NK/T cell lymphoma, and who underwent PET/CT prior to curative treatment, were enrolled at five institutions. Volumes of interest covering the entire tumor volume were delineated on PET/CT images, and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean SUV (SUVmean), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were measured using thresholds of 40% of SUVmax. Furthermore, we compared the difference in F18-FDG avidity according to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection status.

RESULTS

The SUVmax (p=0.041) and SUVmean (p=0.049) in patients who died were higher than the respective values of those who survived. A higher TLG (>45.8) was associated with relapse free survival (HR 7.856, p=0.034). Ann Arbor stage (III-IV, HR 14.12, p=0.004), and a higher SUVmax (>12.6, p=0.024) and SUVmean (>6.4, p=0.024) were associated with poor survival. However, neither the MTV nor the TLG (volumetric parameters) were significant predictors of death. The PET parameters SUVmax (p=0.181), SUVmean (p=0.237), MTV (p=0.636), and TLG (p=0.469) did not differ significantly between patients with and without EBV infections.

CONCLUSIONS

High TLG was the only significant predictive factor on relapse free survival. The SUVmax and SUVmean measured by F18-FDG PET/CT could be significant prognostic factors in patients with extranodal nasal type NK/T cell lymphoma.

Gastrosplenic fistula occurring in lymphoma patients: Systematic review with a new case of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma

AIM

To provide the overall spectrum of gastrosplenic fistula (GSF) occurring in lymphomas through a systematic review including a patient at our hospital.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed in the MEDLINE database to identify studies of GSF occurring in lymphomas. A computerized search of our institutional database was also performed. In all cases, we analyzed the clinicopathologic/radiologic features, treatment and outcome of GSF occurring in lymphomas.

RESULTS

A literature search identified 25 relevant studies with 26 patients. Our institutional data search added 1 patient. Systematic review of the total 27 cases revealed that GSF occurred mainly in diffuse, large B-cell lymphoma (n = 23), but also in diffuse, histiocytic lymphoma (n = 1), Hodgkin’s lymphoma (n = 2), and NK/T-cell lymphoma (n = 1, our patient). The common clinical presentations are constitutional symptoms (n = 20) and abdominal pain (n = 17), although acute gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 6) and infection symptoms due to splenic abscess (n = 3) are also noted. In all patients, computed tomography scanning was very helpful for diagnosing GSF and for evaluating the lymphoma extent. GSF could occur either post-chemotherapy (n = 10) or spontaneously (n = 17). Surgical resection has been the most common treatment. Once patients have recovered from the acute illness status after undergoing surgery, their long-term outcome has been favorable.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review provides an overview of GSF occurring in lymphomas, and will be helpful in making physicians aware of this rare disease entity.

[(18)F-FDG PET/CT for extranodular natural killer/T-cell lymphoma nasal type: imaging findings and clinical value]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis and treatment evaluation in patients with pretreatment or recurrent extranodular natural killer/T-cell lymphoma nasal type (ENTCL).

METHODS

(18)F-FDG PET/CT images and clinical records of 35 cases (67 scans) of pathologically confirmed ENTCL treated in our hospital within the last 9 years were analyzed. The imaging characteristics of the upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) and the non-aerodigestive tract (NUAT) lesions were analyzed. Lesion distribution, clinical stages, SUVmax and patient survival data were compared between pretreatment and recurrent cases.

RESULTS

s All the ENTCL lesions were hypermetabolic. The UAT lesions involved mainly the nasal cavity and pharynx, while the NUAT lesions may involve the lymph nodes and all the organs. UAT lesions were more common in pretreatment cases while NUAT lesions tended to increase in recurrent cases. The SUVmax of pretreatment and recurrent lesions were 10.4∓4.4 and 9.6∓5.2, and showed no significant difference among patients with different lesion distribution patterns, clinical stages, or treatment history. The tumor remission rate evaluated by PET/CT were higher in cases with an initial diagnosis than in those with recurrence [(89.5% (17/19) vs 33.3% (5/15), P<0.005)]. Cox regression analysis revealed no significant differences in the survival rates among patients with different treatment history, clinical stages, lesion distribution patterns, or SUVmax levels (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

(18)F-FDG PET/CT can sensitively detect the pretreatment or recurrent lesions in ENTCL patients and helps in accurate tumor staging and curative effect evaluation.

Primary NK/T-cell lymphoma of the larynx: Report of 2 cases and review of the English-, Japanese-, and Chinese-language literature

Natural killer/T (NK/T) -cell lymphoma in the larynx is extremely rare, as only 29 cases have been previously reported in the English-language, Japanese-language, and Chinese-language literature. Its characteristics have never been systematically illustrated. We report 2 new cases of laryngeal NK/T-cell lymphoma, and we discuss the process of the diagnosis of this disease, the choice of treatment, and treatment outcomes. We also summarize all 31 cases reported thus far. Symptoms of laryngeal NK/T-cell lymphoma are difficult to differentiate from those of other laryngeal diseases. The most common laryngeal subsite in the reported cases was the supraglottis, and roughly one-third of these cases involved the cervical lymph nodes. Because of our limited experience with this disease and the difficulties encountered in interpreting the pathologic findings, most patients required multiple biopsies over a few months before their diagnosis was confirmed. The outcome of treatment was generally poor. Radiotherapy, alone or combined with chemotherapy, was superior to chemotherapy alone in treating this disease in its early stages. In view of the frequency of local lymph node metastasis, irradiation fields should cover the entire cervical area. We believe that prompt diagnosis and treatment with radiotherapy are both critical to improving survival for patients with laryngeal NK/T-cell lymphoma.

Sinonasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma presenting as pyrexia of unknown origin with nasal symptoms

A 68-year-old Chinese man presented with an eight-month history of pyrexia of unknown origin and chronic sinusitis despite multiple courses of antibiotics. He underwent extensive investigations, including workups for infections, chronic granulomatous diseases and malignancy. Nasal biopsies were performed twice under local anaesthesia, but did not show any evidence of malignancy. Eventually, the patient was diagnosed with natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal variant, based on histopathological findings from harvested deep tissue obtained via functional endoscopic sinus surgery. This study highlights that, for patients presenting with pyrexia of unknown origin and nasal symptoms, NK/T-cell lymphoma must be considered as a differential diagnosis. Generous amounts of tissue should be harvested under general anaesthesia rather than limited tissue under local anaesthesia, in order to facilitate and ensure a definitive diagnosis.

Neurolymphomatosis in a patient with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal-type: a case report and literature review

A 47-year-old man presented with a fever and lower extremity paresthesia. A physical examination revealed sensory deficits in the left hand, distal arm and right sole. A bone marrow aspiration demonstrated infiltration of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, and (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) disclosed extensive involvement of the peripheral nerves. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of neurolymphomatosis (NL). The lymphoma progressed soon after the patient underwent cord blood transplantation, and he died on day 33 after transplantation. NL is a rare manifestation of lymphoma characterized by infiltration of the peripheral nerves, leading to neuropathy. It is an increasingly recognized entity and can be the first indication of lymphoma.

Synchronous adenocarcinoma and extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma of the colon: A case report and literature review

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is a distinct subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and is rare in the colon. Synchronous adenocarcinoma and ENKTL of the colon has not been reported in the literature. In the present study, we report a 63-year-old male who suffered from intermittent bloody stools for 2 mo. He did not have fever, body weight loss or night sweat. Endoscopic and imaging studies revealed a 4.5-cm ulcerative mass in the ascending colon and a 3.0-cm polypoid, easy bleeding mass in the sigmoid colon, respectively. Thought to have double carcinoma of the colon, he received simultaneous right hemicolectomy and sigmoidectomy. The pathological diagnosis was a synchronous ENKTL (ascending colon) and adenocarcinoma (sigmoid colon). The literature on synchronous adenocarcinoma and malignant lymphoma of the colon was also reviewed.

Orbital involvement in extranodal natural killer T cell lymphoma: an atypical case presentation and review of the literature

PURPOSE

To report a rare case of extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (NKTL) and to compare its features with those cases previously reported.

DESIGN

Case report, observational and literature review.

METHODS

Complete ophthalmologic examinations followed by excisional biopsy, histopathologic examination and therapy with radiation and chemotherapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Evaluation of clinical presenting features and histopathologic diagnosis along with patient outcome.

RESULTS

A 22 year old female presented as a referral with right orbital swelling, decreased vision and eye pain for 5 weeks. Subsequent orbital CT and multiple biopsies resulted in a diagnosis of extranodal natural killer (NK)/T cell lymphoma (NKTL). Despite continued chemotherapy and orbital radiation the patient expired within 3 months of diagnosis. To our knowledge, only 8 cases of orbital involvement without nasal mucosal involvement are reported in the literature, the majority in patients of male gender around the fifth decade.

CONCLUSIONS

Here we present an atypical and aggressive case of extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma presenting in a 22 year old Caucasian female as orbital swelling without evidence of nasal mucosal involvement. It is important to distinguish NKTL from the more common benign lymphoproliferative lesions of the orbital adnexa as prognosis of these two clinical entities varies and timely diagnosis is key. The present case demonstrates that extranodal NKTL can occur in the orbit without evidence of the more common nasal mucosal presentations and should be included in the differential diagnosis of ocular adnexal lesions suspicious for a lymphoproliferative disorder and/or an inflammatory process.