Recurrent natural killer/T-cell lymphoma of the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct in a 59-year-old Caucasian woman

ABSTRACT

A 59-year-old Caucasian woman with past medical history significant for Natural Killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma of the right nasal septum in remission for nine months presented after surveillance PET-CT imaging revealed increased metabolic activity in the right nasolacrimal duct. She also reported ipsilateral epiphora starting around this time. The lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal ductal mucosa were biopsied via an external approach. Pathologic evaluation revealed a proliferation of lymphoid cells with necrotic tissue. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated predominantly CD3+, EBER+, and CD56+ cells indicating recurrent NK/T-cell lymphoma. This case describes an unusual presentation of recurrent NK/T-cell lymphoma involving the lacrimal excretory system in a Caucasian adult. Recurrent malignancy should be considered in the differential of any patient with a history of a lymphoproliferative disorder near the lacrimal drainage system who presents with new onset epiphora.

KEYWORDS:

• Natural killer
• T-cell
• lymphoma
• lacrimal
• recurrent

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation [Young Investigator Grant (NARSAD)]; Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison [Research KL2 Scholars Program (NCATS UL1TR00427)]; Unrestricted grant from Research to Prevent Blindness Inc. NY, NY, to Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin- Madison.