Epstein-Barr virus-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with human immunodeficiency virus mimicking complicated frontal sinusitis: A case report

BACKGROUND: Primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the frontal sinus is extremely rare. In addition, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been reported to play a role in the development of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related malignant lymphomas. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report for the HIV-associated, EBV-positive primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the frontal sinus. CASE SUMMARY: We present a unique case of HIV-associated, EBV-positive DLBCL in the frontal sinus in a 46-year-old man. Computed tomography of paranasal sinuses revealed dense opacification of the right frontal sinus with combined soft tissue swelling. Based on the clinical and radiological findings, the initial diagnosis was complicated frontal sinusitis, presenting Pott’s puffy tumor. Unexpectedly, HIV testing was positive on preoperative laboratory test, and the frontal sinus lesion was confirmed as EBV-positive DLBCL on biopsy. CONCLUSION: Through this article, we suggest that EBV-positive DLBCL should be considered as possible diagnosis for patients with nonspecific space-occupying lesion of the paranasal sinuses. We also highlight an importance of clinical suspicion in diagnosing HIV infection because HIV serology is not routinely tested in patients with paranasal sinus problem.