A multicentric, hyaline vascular variant of Castleman's disease associated with B cell lymphoma: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Three histological variants (hyaline vascular, plasma cell, and mixed) and two clinical types (localized and multicentric) of Castleman's disease have been described. The risk of progression to lymphoma is higher in multicentric Castleman's disease and is associated with poorer outcomes and higher mortality rate. Multicentric Castleman's disease often requires systemic therapy. Complete resection of the involved node in localized Castleman's disease is curative, with no reported recurrences. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 66-year-old female with systemic symptoms and bilateral cervical lymph nodes which were initially diagnosed as the hyaline vascular variant of Castleman's disease and two years later after the initial diagnosis she was confirmed to B cell lymphoma. Following the treatment with radiation therapy to the cervical area and combination chemotherapy complete response was achieved. CONCLUSION: Although it has rarely been reported, the malignant potential of the Castleman's disease must be kept in mind.