Overcoming missed diagnoses of primary central nervous system Lymphoma—The key role of cerebrospinal fluid cytology: a case report

Overcoming missed diagnoses of primary central nervous system Lymphoma—The key role of cerebrospinal fluid cytology: a case report

Abstract Background Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is relatively rare, occurring at a rate of approximately 5%. Primary CNS lymphoma (CNS-DLBCL), a subtype of DLBCL, is rare clinically but highly malignant and invasive. Its atypical clinical symptom...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Siqi Zhu, Juan Jin, Xinxin Wang, Hong Xu, Fuxian Zhou, Yuyi Lai, Daojun Yu, Yuli Zhou
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-03-01
Series:Diagnostic Pathology
Subjects:
CNS DLBCL
PCNSL
Cerebrospinal fluid morphology (CSF) cytology
Intracranial tumor
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13000-025-01626-1
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Background Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is relatively rare, occurring at a rate of approximately 5%. Primary CNS lymphoma (CNS-DLBCL), a subtype of DLBCL, is rare clinically but highly malignant and invasive. Its atypical clinical symptoms and imaging features contribute to a high rate of misdiagnosis and a poor prognosis. Thus, early and accurate diagnosis is imperative for improving the patient’s prognosis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology, a rapid and convenient diagnostic method, plays a crucial role in diagnosing intracranial tumors. Case presentation In this instance, the patient presented with nonspecific early symptoms and exhibited atypical imaging findings. A lumbar puncture performed at another hospital yielded a low cell count in the CSF, leading to an incorrect diagnosis. Upon admission to our hospital, CSF cytology identified abnormal cells. A definitive diagnosis of CNS-DLBCL was established utilizing additional diagnostic methods, facilitating targeted treatment. Conclusions This case underscores the pivotal role of CSF cytology in rapidly guiding the differential diagnosis of intracranial tumors and underscores the necessity of training laboratory personnel in morphological examination.
ISSN:1746-1596

Similar Items