Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinemia. Complete remission with cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy with dysproteinemia (AILD) is classified as a nonmalignant condition, yet the mortality associated with the disease rivals most malignancies. Although a leading standard text recommends prednisone as initial management, there has been increasing evidence that combination chemotherapy is the best initial treatment. The patient described here achieved a complete remission with cisplatin-based therapy but later died of pneumonia, perhaps because pathogens important in infections in AILD were not covered. Specific recommendations for management are discussed.