A 54-year-old man with fever of unknown origin four years after a diagnosis of lymphocytic lymphoma
Article Abstract:
A 54-year-old man with lymphoma and fever of unknown origin was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia that evolved into Richter's syndrome, which is a type of Hodgkin's disease. He had previously undergone chemotherapy, with mixed results. After completing therapy, he developed a dry cough, fever, weight loss and anemia. He was admitted to the hospital, and his condition steadily deteriorated. A CT scan revealed a moderately enlarged spleen and liver, and enlarged lymph nodes. Tests for bacteria ruled out infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. Progression of the patient's known B-cell tumor would not have produced the rapid deterioration observed. However, Richter's syndrome tumors are thought to have a B-cell origin, and the disease is characterized by high fever, rapid weight loss, rapidly expanding lymph nodes and enlargement of the spleen and liver. These observations are consistent with the patient's symptoms, and the diagnosis was confirmed at autopsy.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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A 49-year-old woman with peripheral neuropathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and intermittent abdominal pain
Article Abstract:
A 49-year-old woman was diagnosed with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M proteins and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome with possible follicular lymphoma. POEMS syndrome is a disorder that affects multiple systems of the body. The patient was admitted to the hospital with vomiting, severe abdominal pain and weight loss. She had been diagnosed with polycythemia vera, or increased levels of red blood cells, six years before admission. Four years before admission, she had been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, a chronic inflammatory disorder. A computed tomographic (CT) scan of the abdomen revealed abnormal enlargement of the liver, spleen and uterus and accumulation of fluid in the body cavity. A blood test revealed that that she was suffering from POEMS syndrome with possible follicular lymphoma.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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A 53-year-old woman with swelling of the right breast and bilateral lymphadenopathy
Article Abstract:
A 53-year-old woman was admitted to a hospital with tenderness in her right arm, swelling in her right breast, and enlarged lymph nodes. A mammogram and an MRI scan of her right breast showed evidence of an obstruction of her lymph system. She had been bitten by a dog, so her doctors suspected an infectious process. A biopsy of her right breast showed that she had Hodgkin's disease. She was treated with chemotherapy.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2000
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