2A81.9

Primary effusion lymphoma

Linfoma primário de efusão

Category

Definition

An aggressive non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma composed of large cells, presenting as a serous effusion without detectable tumour masses. It is universally associated with human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8)/Kaposi sarcoma herpes virus (KSHV) [HHV-8/KSHV]. It mostly occurs in the setting of immunodeficiency; most cases have been reported in HIV positive patients. The most common sites of involvement are the pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal cavities. The prognosis is extremely unfavorable.

Index Terms

Primary effusion lymphomaPrimary effusion lymphoma associated with the human immune deficiency virus infection