Primary plasmablastic lymphoma of the central nervous system in an immunocompetent man: A case report and review of literature

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma classically occurring in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It has a predilection for the oral cavity and jaw. However, recent case reports have shown this variety of lymphoma in the stomach, lung, nasal cavity, cervical lymph nodes and jejunum in HIV-negative individuals. In this manuscript we report a case of primary PBL of brain in an HIV-negative heterosexual man, who presented with multiple episodes of seizures and hemiparesis. It proved a diagnostic challenge as initial stereotactic brain biopsy showed only few necrotic fragments and possibility of glioblastoma multiforme was rendered. Later patient underwent craniotomy and subsequent histopathology combined with immunohistochemistry led us in making a correct diagnosis of extramedullary PBL. Extensive systemic work up failed to reveal any disease outside the central nervous system. Only single case of primary PBL of brain in HIV-negative individual has been reported until date. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second report to suggest such an association.