Abstract

MONTWEDI, D; RAMABULANA, M  and  KHAN, N. Anal plasmablastic lymphoma with complete response to antiretroviral therapy - a case report. S. Afr. j. surg. [online]. 2025, vol.63, n.2, pp.98-100. ISSN 2078-5151.  https://doi.org/10.36303/SAJS.00917.

A 40-year-old male, known to be positive with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), presented with a large perianal mass and faecal obstruction. His CD4 count was 121 cells/mm³ suggesting advanced HIV disease, and he was started on second-line antiretroviral therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed a large mass involving the anorectal junction. A biopsy of the tumor revealed a plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL). A diverting colostomy was performed for faecal obstruction. While awaiting chemotherapy treatment, the tumour rapidly decreased in size with complete clinical resolution. PBL is rare and has a dismal prognosis. Spontaneous regression of PBL has been reported but regression on second-line antiretroval therapy has not been previously described.

Keywords : lymphoma; plasmablastic; human immunodeficiency virus; anal tumour; Ammon regression.

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