Mri findings in primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the liver

JBR-BTR. 2005 Jan-Feb;88(1):17-9.

Abstract

Primary lymphoma of the liver is a very rare malignancy. Most often, these lesions consist of diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that occurs mostly in immunodeficient patients. To prove the primary nature of a hepatic lesion, a systemic lymphoproliferative disease should be ruled out. Secondary liver involvement during Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is frequent. In advanced cases the incidence varies from 25% to 50%. The present case describes the MRI features of a primary lymphoma of the liver presenting as a solitary nodule. The primary lymphoma presents as a T2-hyperintense homogeneous nodule, with a signal intensity comparable with the signal intensity of the spleen. Signal intensity is comparable on in and out of phase imaging. The nodule is slightly T1-hypointense and doesn't show any arterial contrast uptake. In the late venous phase a slight increase in signal intensity is noted. Two and a half minutes after the administration of contrast agent, the lesion is iso-attenuating with the liver parenchyma. This case is rare because of the concomitant presence of heterozygous sickle cell anaemia and the presence of Gamna-Gandy bodies in the splenic parenchyma. It remains uncertain whether the presence of the Gamna-Gandy bodies is associated with the liver lymphoma or with the underlying sickle cell anaemia, or with a combination of both.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / complications
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gadolinium DTPA
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Lymphogranuloma Venereum / complications
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / diagnosis*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Splenic Diseases / microbiology

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium DTPA