Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma presenting as giant kidneys: a case report.

Background: Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma is a rare form of tumor of the lymph nodes or lymphoid tissue. In this report we describe an unusual presentation of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma consisting of giant kidneys with no nephrotic syndrome.

Methods: A 46-year-old Arabic man from Gaza was hospitalized in our ward due to abdominal pain and a weight loss of 20 kg during the preceding two months. The results of the physical examination and laboratory tests raised the possibility of neoplastic disease. A computerized tomographic scan of the abdomen showed huge kidneys, and a kidney biopsy showed infiltration by lymphocytes and eosinophils. The genetic examination revealed T-cell lymphoma. Diagnosis was made by a lymph node biopsy, which shows typical findings of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.

Conclusions: Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma can present with huge kidneys without nephrotic syndrome.