Publication:

A rare case of peripheral T cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified with cutaneous involvement and diffuse systemic metastasis

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), a subdivision of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs), is rare and different from the more common cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. PTCL is a diverse group of disorders and carries a poor prognosis. Peripheral T cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) is the most common and aggressive disorder out of the group, which involves the lymph nodes followed by the skin, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. We hereby report a case of a 60 years old female who presented to us with complaints of multiple painful dark-coloured nodular lesions and indurated plaques over bilateral upper limbs, lower limbs and trunk, for 3 months. After detail laboratory investigations, histopathological and immunohistochemistry which was positive for CD30 antigen we confirmed the diagnosis as PTCL-NOS.  Radiological imaging showed involvement of gastrointestinal tract, adrenal gland and vertebrae. After thorough workup the patient was started on palliative radiotherapy, unfortunately she succumbed to death. In conclusion, PTCL-NOS with CD30 positivity is rare and aggressive with a poor prognosis, it is important to identify such cases and work in conjugation with an oncologist for proper management.