Primary peripheral T-cell lymphoma of the cervix with mononeuritis multiplex: an unusual case presentation

Abstract

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is characterized by the injury to the peripheral nervous system of varied etiology. Lymphoma is one of the etiologies of PN, presenting various neurological manifestations. Neuropathy associated with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL, NOS) is unusual and fewer cases are documented in the literature. In addition, PTCL, NOS is extremely rare as primary in the female genital tract, especially uterine cervix, and exhibits aggressive clinical course with poor therapy response. We hereby describe a 47-year-old female who presented with fever and chills for 15 days. Clinical examination revealed left-sided lower motor neuron type of facial nerve palsy with Bell’s phenomenon. Nerve conduction study of all four limbs illustrated asymmetrical axonal neuropathy (motor > sensory), suggesting mononeuritis multiplex. She developed vaginal bleeding during her hospital stay. Pelvic examination and imaging revealed a 4x3cm polypoidal mass on the posterior lip of the cervix, which was excised and diagnosed as extranodal primary PTCL, NOS based on morphology, immunohistochemistry, and in-situ hybridization findings. Besides, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was infiltrated by the lymphoma cells, detected on cell block preparation. The patient succumbed to her illness within one week despite best efforts and the commencement of chemotherapy. No consent was obtainable for nerve biopsy and autopsy. Thus, we report an extremely rare case of primary extranodal PTCL, NOS of the uterine cervix with unusual presentation of mononeuritis multiplex. Further, we discussed the differentials of PTCL, NOS at this extranodal site.