[Primary natural killer/T cell lymphoma of the lung: two cases report and clinical analysis].

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and pathological features of primary NK/T cell lymphoma of the lung.

METHODS

Two cases of primary NK/T cell lymphoma of the lung were reported, and the clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics of the disease were discussed with literature review of 3 cases.

RESULTS

Most patients presented with fever, cough and dyspnea, and antibiotics were ineffective. Radiographic findings included solitary or multiple nodules and consolidation, unilateral orbilateral pleural effusions (4/5), without hilar or mediastinal adenopathy. Ebstein-Barr virus was positive in cases patients (3/5). Histopathology revealed a great deal of abnormal lymphocyte infiltration, which were angio-centric with marked tissue putrescence and angio-destruction. Immunophenotyping showed CD56(+), CD3(+), perform (+), T-cell intracytoplasmic antigen-1(+) and/or GranB(+), but CD20(-). Most patients died of respiratory failure in half a year (4/5).

CONCLUSION

Primary NK/T cell lymphoma of the lung is rare, but should be considered when patients present with lung shadows and fever non-responsive to antibiotics, decreased WBC and increased LDH.