Unusual presentation of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)‎ as acute osteomyelitis of the femur

Abstract EN

Objective : We report a case of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma - diffuse large B-cell type (DLBCL)- which was referred to us as ‘knee synovitis.’ Methods : Initially a picture of osteomyelitis with a large abscess was seen.

This situation, however, did not resolve as expected and the possibility of tuberculous osteomyelitis was considered as no other findings were evident. Results : During this process a bone biopsy finally revealed the true picture of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell type.

This is reported to show the diagnostic difficulties of early malignancy. Conclusions : A high index of suspicion of malignancy is necessary when the clinical condition does not resolve after treatment.