Fever of Unknown Origin due to Primary Hepatic Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma: A Case Report

Abstract

We present a rare case of primary hepatic lymphoma. An 82-year-old female patient presented with altered mental status, and fever. Her labs were significant for abnormal liver functions with markedly elevated lactate dehydrogenase. All infectious and auto-immune workup was negative. Imaging studies were only significant for hepatosplenomegaly, and no liver masses were detected. A liver biopsy was diagnostic of CD5+ CD20+ diffuse large b-cell lymphoma of the liver. Chemotherapy was planned with rituximab combined with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP). Unfortunately, the patient died before initiation of therapy. This case would highlight the importance of early liver biopsy in patients with abnormal liver functions and with no clear explanation, even if there were no discrete masses on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Lymphomas and other infiltrative processes should be considered in the differential diagnosis in such cases.