Primary hepatic Hodgkin’s lymphoma: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon hematological malignancy that primarily occurs in young adults and less frequently in elderly individuals. HL has characteristics cells derived from B lymphocytes (known Reed–Sternberg (HRS) cells). Primary hepatic Hodgkin disease is very rare presentation accounting for less than 0.4% of the cases. Due to its rare occurrence, the pathogenesis of PHL is still unclear, Clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and imaging features are usually nonspecific, making it difficult to diagnose. PATIENT CONCERNS: 69 years old Saudi Female, known case of Hypertension presented to our hospital with history of fever, jaundice, and poor appetite for about 2 weeks with significant weight loss. DIAGNOSIS: Laboratory findings showed cholestatic pattern with total bilirubin 107.2 mg/dl, alkaline phosphatase 2076 IU/l, AST 153 IU/l and ALT 73 IU/l. Imaging with US revealed normal liver size with diffuse increase echogenicity, MRCP showed multiple stones within the gallbladder without evidence of obstruction or CBD dilatation and pan-computed tomography (CT) revealed mildly enlarged and fatty liver. CT-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and biopsy from the liver were consistent with primary hepatic Hodgkins lymphoma. INTERVENTION: The patient received 5 cycles of ABVD. OUTCOMES: After the completion of the 5 cycles patient showed good response to the treatment with normalization of her liver function and regression in the size of liver on CT. CONCLUSION: PHL is a rare disease. The clinical presentation is variable and radiological features are not specific. Histology is mandatory for definitive diagnosis. The optimal therapy and outcomes for PHL is still unclear. ABVD is the most frequently used chemotherapy regimen. Multidisplinary approach including surgery and radiotherapy is another option.