A Case of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma with Recurrent Pericardial Effusion and Chest wall Mass

Abstract

Recurrent pericardial effusion as a presenting feature of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is uncommon. Here we describe the case of an 18-year-old male presented with severe respiratory distress with a chest wall swelling. During the course of his three months illness, he was hospitalized two times with few days interval for similar attack of dyspnoea without any chest wall mass. Each time there was pericardial effusion and pericardiocentesis was done but no conclusive diagnosis could be made. Finally, when he came to us with a chest wall mass in addition to pericardial effusion, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma was confirmed by FNAC of that mass. Symptomatic improvement was achieved after first cycle of chemotherapy with CHOP. Keywords: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; recurrent pericardial effusion; chest wall mass. DOI: 10.3329/jdmc.v17i2.6599J Dhaka Med Coll. 2008; 17(2) : 138-141