Emergency Management of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma: A Case of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome and Chylothorax
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and often presents with an aggressive clinical course. We report the case of an 84-year-old woman with dementia who presented with a rapidly growing mediastinal mass. Imaging revealed compression of the superior vena cava - an oncological emergency requiring immediate intervention - along with a large pleural effusion, which was confirmed to be a chylothorax, a rare complication of lymphoma. Radiotherapy was started on the day of admission, alongside corticosteroid therapy. A biopsy confirmed peripheral B-cell lymphoma, consistent with stage IE DLBCL. Despite her advanced age, dementia, and other comorbidities, palliative chemotherapy was initiated. This case underscores the challenges of managing aggressive lymphoma in older patients with significant comorbidities and highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.97953
Authors: Soraia G Araújo, Inês M Araújo, Margarida Robalo, Sofia Esperança, Ana Oliveira
Institution: Hospital Braga
Language: English
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416757070