Fibrin-associated large B-cell lymphoma: first case report within a cerebral artery aneurysm and literature review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fibrin-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (FA-DLBCL) is a rare Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive lymphoproliferative disorder included in the current World Health Organization (WHO) classification. It arises within fibrinous material in the context of hematomas, pseudocysts, cardiac myxoma or in relation with prosthetic devices. In these clinical settings the diagnosis requires an high index of suspicion, because it does not form a mass itself, being composed of small foci of neoplastic cells. Despite overlapping features with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma associated with chronic inflammation, it deserves a separate classification, being not mass-forming and often following an indolent course. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old immunocompetent woman required medical care for cerebral hemorrhage. Computed Tomography (CT) angiography identified an aneurysm in the left middle cerebral artery. A FA-DLBCL was incidentally identified within thrombotic material in the context of the arterial aneurysm. After surgical removal, it followed a benign course with no further treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The current case represents the first report of FA-DLBCL identified in a cerebral artery aneurysm, expanding the clinicopathologic spectrum of this rare entity. A complete literature review is additionally made.