Iatreia · Published 2026-01-01 · DOI 10.17533/udea.iatreia.360
Introduction: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma; however, its primary splenic variant (DLBCL-PS) is unusual and can present atypical clinical manifestations. CD30 expression, which is uncommon in this subtype, has relevant prognostic and therapeutic implications. Case presentation: A 48-year-old male patient who presented with abdominal pain, fever, and splenomegaly is described. Following an emergency splenectomy due to an abscess with 70% splenic necrosis, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed CD30-positive DLBCL-PS with a high proliferative index. The patient was referred to hematology-oncology for specialized management. Discussion: DLBCL-PS represents less than 1% of lymphomas, and its diagnosis is complex when it mimics infectious processes. Splenectomy has diagnostic and therapeutic relevance and is associated with improved survival. CD30 expression defines a subgroup with a better prognosis and potential benefit from targeted therapies such as brentuximab vedotin. Conclusions: This case illustrates the diagnostic challenge of DLBCL-PS when it presents as a complicated splenic abscess and highlights the importance of considering DLBCL in the differential diagnosis of splenic lesions.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
Read the article at the publisher →