Retroperitoneal laparoscopic management of a solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection: A case report

Abstract

Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a rare malignant tumor that is characterized by a malignant plasma cell neoplasm. Such neoplasms in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients are extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, the present study describes the first case of a solitary adrenal EMP in a patient with HIV. A 35-year-old male who had been diagnosed with HIV 3 months previously presented with a 2-week history of intermittent right flank pain. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a soft-tissue density mass in the right adrenal gland area. The patient subsequently underwent a retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Post-operative pathological diagnosis revealed a solitary EMP. Although the patient refused to undergo post-operative radiotherapy and chemotherapy, no recurrence was detected after 2 years of follow-up. The present case illustrates the fact that this rare type of solitary EMP associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) can occur in the adrenal glands, and that retroperitoneal laparoscopic resection of the tumor may be a good method to manage this condition. In addition, although rare, solitary EMP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an adrenal mass in HIV-infected patients.