Case Report, J Pulm Med Vol: 5 Issue: 1

Rare Presentation of a Rare Disease Subcutaneous Emphysema due to an Endo-Bronchial Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A Case Report

Dushantha Madegedara^1*, Asela Bandara¹, SA Luckmy¹, Lihini Basnayake¹, Rasnayake Dammike¹, Wijerathna Presanne¹

¹Respiratory Department, National Hospital-Kandy, Sri Lanka

*Corresponding Author: Madegedara D Respiratory Department, National Hospital-Kandy, Sri Lanka E-mail: dmadegedara@yahoo.com

Received Date: 04 January, 2021; Accepted Date: 18 January, 2021; Published Date: 25 January, 2021

Citation: D Madegedara, Asela B, SA Luckmy, L Basnayake, Rasnayake D et al. Rare Presentation of a Rare Disease Subcutaneous Emphysema due to an Endo- Bronchial Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A Case Report (2021). J Pulm Med 5:1

Abstract

Keywords: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; Endobronchial non-Hodgkin lymphoma; Obstructive airway diseases; Pneumomediastinum; Subcutaneous emphysema

Introduction

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative malignancies comprising more than 20 different types [1]. It accounts for approximately 90% of all malignant lymphomas, while remaining 10% is shared by Hodgkin’s disease (HD) [2]. Most NHLs arise in lymph nodes or other lymphoid tissues such as spleen, thymus and Waldeyer’s ring. However, nearly one third is encountered in organs other than lymph nodes, hence termed as extra nodal NHL [3]. Skin, stomach and small intestine are recognized as the predominant organs affected by extra nodal NHL [3]. Involvement of intrathoracic structures by NHL is reported in 45-48% of cases. Although mediastinal lymph node involvement is the most common intrathoracic manifestation, it can affect multiple extra nodal sites, including thymus, thyroid, pulmonary parenchyma, pleura, pericardium, heart, chest wall, and breast [4]. However, endotracheobronchial NHLs have been reported extremely rarely, even in cases of advanced disease stage [5].

Endobronchial tumors present with non-specific respiratory symptoms and features of central airway obstruction [6]. However, only a single case of subcutaneous emphysema developing in association with NHL in trachea has been reported before [7]. We report an exceedingly rare case of endotracheobronchial NHL which was complicated with subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum in addition to features of obstructive airway disease.

Case Presentation

A 27-year-old female presented with wheezing for 3 weeks duration associated with shortness of breath. The symptoms were reported to be episodic at the outset, however progressed rapidly. She complained of predominantly dry cough for the same duration, but never experienced hemoptysis. There was no associated fever, chest pain or constitutional symptoms. She denied past history of similar episodes or bronchial asthma.

She was initially managed at a local health institute as an acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma. In spite of repeated nebulization and treatment with intravenous steroid, her symptoms remained uncontrolled. She developed subcutaneous emphysema on fifth day of admission and was transferred to respiratory unit II of National hospital-Kandy, Sri Lanka for further management.

On admission she was dyspnoic and appeared uncomfortable. She was an averagely built lady having neither clubbing nor lymphadenopathy. Oxygen saturation while breathing room air was 93%. Her pulse was regular with a rate of 128 beats per minute and blood pressure was 100/70 mmHg. Respiratory system examination revealed bilateral rhonchi and diminished breath sounds on the right side. Abdominal examination was unremarkable.

Basic blood investigations including complete blood count, C-reactive protein level, and erythrocyte sedimentation ratio, renal and liver profile were within normal limits. A chest x-ray done at emergency unit revealed obvious subcutaneous emphysema in the neck region. But, an ill-defined mass in the midline causing narrowing of the left main bronchus was recognized only following conscientious examination of the radiography (Figure 1).

Her condition rapidly deteriorated over the next day with progressive dyspnoea and severe subcutaneous emphysema. She developed stridor and otolaryngology opinion was sought urgently and laryngeal odema was diagnosed. A repeat chest radiograph showed new onset pneumomediastinum along with extensive subcutaneous emphysema. Contrast enhanced computer tomography (CT) of chest and neck demonstrated marked pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, and a large infiltrative mass lesion at the carina with intraluminal and extraluminal components extending to both main bronchi, resulting in near total occlusion of the right main bronchus (Figure 2). Fiber-optic bronchoscopy revealed an endobronchial mass placed at the carina with almost complete luminal obstruction of right main bronchus and approximately 60% obstruction of the left main bronchus.

She was transferred to a specialized thoracic surgical facility for further management. Argon plasma coagulation and debulking of the mass with repair of posterior bronchial wall laceration was performed via rigid bronchoscopy, followed by ‘Y’ tracheobronchial stenting. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis as anaplastic large cell type non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Figure 3).

Post-operative period was complicated by massive bleeding requiring intensive care treatment for several days. Later, she was commenced on chemotherapy consisting of cyclophosphamide, vincristin, doxorubicin and prednisolone. Follow up CT imaging revealed a residual mass after 2 months, albeit reduced in size. Proton emission tomography scan (PET) did not reveal any hypermetobolic foci to suggest metastasis. Tracheobronchial stent was removed after 3 months, and currently she is being treated under oncology care.

Discussion

Endobronchial involvement of NHL was first reported by Dawe et al., in 1955 [5]. Since then only few isolated cases have been reported in literature implying its rarity. Endobronchial lymphoma commonly occurs in the setting of systemic disease, mostly in cases of HD than NHL [8]. Two types of endobronchial NHL have been described. Type 01 is characterized by diffuse distribution of submucosal nodules throughout the bronchial tree in the presence of systemic disease. This pattern is believed to be due to haematogenous or lymphatic spread of lymphoma, and typically associates with pulmonary parenchymal involvement as well. In contrast, type 02 is characterized by localized involvement of tracheobronchial tree in association with locoregional lymph node enlargement. Clinical evidence of airway obstruction is anticipated more often in type 02 [5,9]. According to the clinical and radiological features, this pattern was most likely in our patient.

According to a case series by Eng et al., endobronchial tumors of NHL are located predominantly involving major bronchi similar to our case, followed by lobar bronchi and trachea [10]. However, Solomonov et al., presented a report on 8 patients where the tumor was located involving lobar bronchi in all cases indicating the heterogeneity of the condition [8]. Endobronchial NHL can present with symptoms in relation to systemic effects or endobronchial mass effect [8]. Severity of symptoms varies according to the degree of bronchial obstruction. However, most common symptoms include cough, dyspnoea, wheezing and hemoptysis. Since these symptoms are non-specific they are likely to be misdiagnosed for commoner respiratory pathologies [5]. Our patient also presented with shortness of breath with wheezing suggesting obstructive airway disease which was initially misinterpreted as due to bronchial asthma, which is much more prevalent among young adults. However, doubt about the diagnosis was raised due to poor treatment response, absence of similar episodes in the past, short history of disease without diurnal variation of symptoms and lack of other associated features like atopy and family history. This highlights the value of clinical tools including history and examination during clinical evaluation to recognizeatypical cases, thereby preventing misdiagnosis. Additionally, acute tracheobronchitis, foreign body aspiration, vocal cord dysfunction, endobronchial malignant or benign tumors should be considered as the main differential diagnosis for a similar presentation.

Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum can occasionally complicate obstructive lung pathologies like asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Such complications have been reported only in one occasion before in relation to NHL. Khodadad et al., reported an extremely rare case of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema due to an anaplastic large cell lymphoma of trachea, which was histologically similar to the present case [7]. To best of our knowledge this represents the second case of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema developed in a patient with endotracheobronchial NHL. Leakage of air into the mediastinum and subcutaneous tissue may have occurred through the bronchoscopically detected posterior tracheal wall laceration. The other possible mechanism of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in this patient was the ball valve effect created due to partial obstruction of left main bronchus, which in turn caused air to be trapped in the left lung, resulting in high pressure inside the bronchial tree. This may have driven air into the mediastinum and subcutaneous space.

Diagnosis of NHL requires histological examination. According to literature, lymphoma originating from mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is the commonest variety of primary pulmonary lymphoma. Large B cell lymphomas are infrequent [8]. Anaplastic large cell lymphomas are a rare aggressive form of NHL occurring in 2-3% [7]. Treatment and prognosis of bronchial NHL depend on histological type. Systemic chemotherapy is the treatment of choice for anaplastic large cell lymphoma, due to high chemosensitivity [7]. Radiation therapy is an

Adjuvant for cases with tumor mass >10 cm [8]. For patients with central airway obstruction with significant symptoms, tracheal stenting followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy has been suggested. However, in cases with severe airway obstruction by an unknown tracheal tumor similar to our case, debulking surgery is likely to remain as the preferred initial treatment, since this provides prompt relief of obstruction, and simultaneously allows obtaining diagnostic sampling [7].

Conclusion

Endobronchial malignant lymphoma is a rare cause of large airway obstruction. Subcutaneous emphysema is reported exceedingly rarely in association with NHL. Due to its non-specific symptoms, it is frequently misdiagnosed for commoner respiratory pathologies such as bronchial asthma. However, atypical presentation and poor response to therapy should raise the possibility of rare diseases among differential diagnosis. Furthermore, meticulous examination of basic imaging such as chest radiography is important to recognize subtle signs of mediastinal pathologies which are otherwise likely to be missed.

Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review with the corresponding author.

Authors' Contributions

AB, AL, LB drafted the manuscript. DM supervised and involves the management and manuscript, DR involves surgical management, PW involve the management.

Author’s Information

LB, AB, AL is senior registrars in respiratory medicine. DM (MD, FRCP) is a senior consultant respiratory physician. PW Resident respiratory physician, Dr Consultant Thoracic Surgeon.

Conflicts of Interest

All the authors have declared that they have no conflicts of interest.

References

1. Grulich AE, Vajdic CM (2005) The epidemiology of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Pathology 37(6):409-419.
2. Ekstrom-Semedby K (2006) Epidemiology and etiology of non- Hodgkin lymphoma: A review. Acta Oncologica 45(3):258-271
3. Bhattacharya B, Choudhury K, Chattopadhyay B, Mitra D (2013) Primary extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: A retrospective analysis of its clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes in a tertiary cancer center of eastern India. Clin Cancer Investig J 2:218-22
4. Dipiro PJ, Costello P (2004) Thoracic Involvement in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. In: Guermazi A. (eds) Radiological Imaging in Hematological Malignancies. Medical Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
5. McRea WM, Wong CS, Jeffery GM. Endobronchial non-Hodgkinâ??s lymphoma. Respir Med 199;92:975-977
6. Yang FF, Gao R, Miao Y, Yan XJ, Hou G, et al. (2015) Primary tracheobronchial non-Hodgkin lymphoma causing life-threatening airway obstruction: A case report. J Thorac Dis 7(12):E667-71.
7. Khodadad K, Karimi S, Arab M, Esfahani-Monfared Z (2011) Primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma of trachea with subcutaneous emphysema and progressive dyspnoea. Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy 4(4):188-191
8. Solomonov A, Zuckerman T, Goralnik L, Ben-Arieh Y, Rowe JM, et al (2008) Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting as an endobronchial tumor: Report of eight cases and literature review. Am J Hematol 83(5):416-9.
9. Han JY, Lee KN, Roh MS, Kim WJ (2011) Non-Hodgkinâ??s Lymphoma Presenting as an Endobronchial Polypoid Mass: A Case Report. J Korean Soc Radiol 64:147-150
10. Eng J, Sabanathan S (1993) Endobronchial non-Hodgkinâ??s lymphoma. J Cardiovasc Surg 34:351-354