Human herpes virus 8-unrelated primary effusion lymphoma-like lymphoma presenting with cardiac tamponade

RATIONALE Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare disease of lymphomatous effusion in the body cavities in the absence of detectable mass and lymphadenopathy. PEL is predominantly related to the immunosuppressed patients infected with human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8). PEL-like lymphoma is negative for HHV-8 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) unlike PEL. The pathogenesis and prognosis of PEL-like lymphoma are unclear and there is no established treatment yet. PATIENT CONCERNS A 73-year-old male patient was admitted for evaluation of dyspnea on exertion with 1-week duration. His relevant examinations were completed. DIAGNOSES PEL-like lymphoma was diagnosed. INTERVENTIONS The patient received chemotherapy including rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R-CHOP), and palliative whole-brain radiotherapy, sequentially. OUTCOMES He died 3 months after the diagnosis. LESSON Although the prognosis of PEL-like lymphoma may be better than PEL, our case showed poor disease course despite chemotherapy.