Diagnostic challenges in pulmonary lymphomatous spread mimicking ARDS in an AIDS patient: a case report
Dublin Core
Title
Diagnostic challenges in pulmonary lymphomatous spread mimicking ARDS in an AIDS patient: a case report
Subject
ARDS, AIDS, Immunosuppression, Ground glass opacities, Diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Description
Abstract
Background Immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with AIDS, are at increased risk of developing
lymphoproliferative tumours and opportunistic infections. Radiologic findings alone may not always distinguish
between these entities.
Case presentation We describe the case of a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with rapidly
worsening dyspnoea and clinical signs suggestive of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Despite initial
concerns for ARDS, autopsy revealed an advanced-stage, aggressive lymphoma as the underlying cause. This case
highlights the challenge of differentiating ARDS from lymphoma in AIDS patients, especially when atypical radiologic
findings, such as nodular opacities, are present.
Conclusions The diagnosis of ARDS relies on imaging, oxygenation abnormalities, and clinical timing. However,
various infectious and non-infectious conditions can mimic ARDS, making an accurate differential diagnosis essential.
This case adds to the literature by underscoring the importance of considering lymphoproliferative disorders in AIDS
patients presenting with respiratory distress, especially in the absence of typical lymphoma-related symptoms.
Keywords ARDS, AIDS, Immunosuppression, Ground glass opacities, Diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Background Immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with AIDS, are at increased risk of developing
lymphoproliferative tumours and opportunistic infections. Radiologic findings alone may not always distinguish
between these entities.
Case presentation We describe the case of a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with rapidly
worsening dyspnoea and clinical signs suggestive of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Despite initial
concerns for ARDS, autopsy revealed an advanced-stage, aggressive lymphoma as the underlying cause. This case
highlights the challenge of differentiating ARDS from lymphoma in AIDS patients, especially when atypical radiologic
findings, such as nodular opacities, are present.
Conclusions The diagnosis of ARDS relies on imaging, oxygenation abnormalities, and clinical timing. However,
various infectious and non-infectious conditions can mimic ARDS, making an accurate differential diagnosis essential.
This case adds to the literature by underscoring the importance of considering lymphoproliferative disorders in AIDS
patients presenting with respiratory distress, especially in the absence of typical lymphoma-related symptoms.
Keywords ARDS, AIDS, Immunosuppression, Ground glass opacities, Diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Creator
Elisa Baratella1
, Giorgio Berlot2
, Maurizio Pinamonti3* and Rossana Bussani3,4
, Giorgio Berlot2
, Maurizio Pinamonti3* and Rossana Bussani3,4
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-00889-1
Date
2025
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Elisa Baratella1
, Giorgio Berlot2
, Maurizio Pinamonti3* and Rossana Bussani3,4, “Diagnostic challenges in pulmonary lymphomatous spread mimicking ARDS in an AIDS patient: a case report,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 11, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12778.