Initial presentation of an unspecified peripheral T-cell lymphoma as inflammatory polyarthritis and hypereosinophilia

Abstract

Premise: There may be signs of joint and bone involvement in hematologic malignancies, but it is most rare for hematologic malignancies like lymphomas to present with joint symptoms. Patient: A 49-year-old male patient was admitted with rheumatoid arthritis-like symmetrical polyarthritis, morning stiffness, cutaneous vasculitis and hypereosinophilia. Autoantibodies, like rheumatoid factor, anti-citrullinated cyclic peptide, antinuclear antibody, anti-nuclear cytoplasmic antibody, were negative. After 4 months of follow-up, the patient developed a diffuse cutaneous rash and multiple lymphadenopathies. Lymph node biopsy was compatible with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, unspecified. Result: The patient was administered, respectively, CHOP and ICE chemotherapy regimens to which he was refractory. He died from infection and respiratory failure. Conclusion: It should be borne in mind that T-cell lymphomas may have unusual presentations with arthritis and hypereosinophilia.