Abstract
Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma confined to body cavities and universally associated with human herpesvirus type 8 infection. The prognosis of this entity remains poor, with a median survival time of 6 to 9 months. To better understand the clinicopathologic features of the disease and identify possible prognostic factors, we performed a systematic review of the literature for cases of PEL, including 2 previously unreported cases from our institution. PEL was more prevalent in men (92%), with a median age at diagnosis of 55 years. The median overall survival for the entire series was 6 months. Peritoneal involvement (HR:1.62; 95% CI:1.06–2.48) and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (HR:2.50; 95% CI:1.21–5.19) were associated with higher risk of death, while pericardial involvement (HR:0.43; 95% CI:0.20–0.94) was associated with lower risk of death. Therefore, effusion site and serum LDH levels are potential prognostic factors in patients with PEL.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Sarah Bronson for his contributions to this manuscript.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).