Patient already diagnosed and treated for Hodgkin disease, is currently admitted to the hospital due to severe back pain.
We are reporting a case of a 32 years old man presented with palpable painless lymphadenopathy in the cervical region. He underwent CT examination presenting: a lymphatic mass at the right posterior cervical region as well as enlarged lymph node (1.5cm) in the right axilla. An excisional lymph node biopsy was performed and the histopathological examination concluded that it was a nodular sclerosis type of Hodgkin disease. Regarding the Ann Arbor classification, the presented case was a stage of IIa disease. Combination chemotherapy, a 4-drug regimen ABVD was administered in 6 cycles. After completion of the treatment, we assessed the response by both CT scans and scintigraphy with galium-67 (67Ga), both proved that there was complete response to the current treatment. Nevertheless we continued with two extra cycles of prophylactic treatment. Five months after the end of the treatment, the patient presented at the emergency department complaining of intense low back pain. CT examination of the spine was negative. Patient continued to suffer from intense skeletal pain and an MRI examination was performed. Multiple lesions (patchy infiltrations of the bone marrow) were identified in several levels of the spine (T11, T12, L3, L4, L5), left iliac bone and sacrum (Fig.1,2,3,4). Due to the presence of bone infiltrations and the clinical appearance of the patient, suffering from fever and weight loss, an iliac bone marrow biopsy was performed, concluding that the disease progresses with bone marrow involvement. The disease is cheracterized resistant since it relapses and fails to respond to chemotherapy and even to local radiotherapy. The patient died of gut bleeding.
Hodgkin disease is a potentially curable malignant lymphoma with distinct histology, biologic behavior, and clinical characteristics. Histologically the picture is unique, with 1-2% of neoplastic cells (Reed-Sternberg cells) in a background of a variety of reactive mixed inflammatory cells consisting of lymphocytes, plasma cells, neutrophils, eosinophils and histiocytes. In literature it is considered that the 5 years survival for the patients with stage II, as in our case, is 84%. Rarely, Hodgkin disease presents as an osseous lesion without involvement of lymph nodes and although they are of stage IV regarding the Ann Arbor classification, have a better prognosis. It is important to distinguish between primary osseous Hodgkin disease and systemic Hodgkin disease with diffuse bone marrow involvement as in our case (1). Diagnosis of skeletal tumors in patients with Hodgkin disease is of paramount importance for precise staging of the tumor process, prognosis and choice of optimal treatment. Therefore, bone marrow scintigraphy, MRI, bone marrow trepanobiopsy are all of them recommended for assaying the extent of involvement of Hodgkin disease (2). In a study of 114 patients with Hodgkin disease, 13 (11%) had bone involvement. The typical osseous lesion in Hodgkin diasease is a secondary manifestation on the axial skeleton. The lesions are mainly lytic and there is no relation between the site of the affection and the character of the lesion (3). In another study, a total of 401 patients (148 men, 134 women and 119 children) with Hodgkin disease were examined to determine the diagnostic value of the radioisotope and x-ray methods in the early detection of metastatic involvement of the skeletal bones. Specific skeletal bone lesions were revealed in 72 patients. Metastatic lesions of the skeletal bones develop more frequently in adults than in children. No significant differences in the site of metastases were noted (4). Our case is one of the rare cases of petient suffering from Hodgkin disease of a stage with relatively good prognostic results that after a short period of five months post-treatment developed extensive infiltrative lesions at several skeletal sites (vertebral bones, iliac bone and sacrum), identified on MRI scans (Fig.1,2,3,4). Another important fact is the aggressiveness of the disease in this case that was progressing no matter the therapeutic efforts of the clinicians.
Treated IIa Hodgkin disease, relapsing with diffuse skeletal involvement.
Based on the provided MRI images and the patient's clinical background (previously diagnosed and treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, currently rehospitalized due to severe lower back pain), the following major findings are noted:
Considering the imaging findings together with the patient’s history of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the following diagnoses or differentials should be contemplated:
Considering the patient’s age, medical history (previous Hodgkin’s lymphoma), clinical presentation (acute onset of severe bone pain), imaging findings (multifocal bone involvement), and potential supporting tests (e.g., bone marrow biopsy, hematological parameters), the most likely diagnosis is:
If further confirmation is needed, a biopsy of the vertebrae or iliac bone can be conducted to verify the presence of Hodgkin’s lymphoma cells.
Patients with such a presentation typically require a multidisciplinary treatment approach. For Hodgkin’s lymphoma with bone involvement or recurrence, important components include:
Due to extensive bone infiltration and reduced bone integrity, rehabilitation and exercise should be carried out under professional supervision, ensuring safety and gradual progression:
Throughout rehabilitation, the FITT-VP principles (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type, Volume, Progression) should be observed, with adjustments for the patient’s psychological status, nutritional needs, and any side effects arising from the lymphoma treatment.
Disclaimer: This report is based on the provided medical history and imaging data and serves as a reference-only analysis. It does not replace in-person consultation or professional medical advice. If you have any questions or if your condition changes, please seek medical attention promptly.
Treated IIa Hodgkin disease, relapsing with diffuse skeletal involvement.