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Diagnosing lymphoma in the shadow of an epidemic: lessons learned from the diagnostic challenges posed by the dual tuberculosis and HIV epidemics.

Authors :
Antel K
Louw VJ
Maartens G
Oosthuizen J
Verburgh E
Source :
Leukemia & lymphoma [Leuk Lymphoma] 2020 Dec; Vol. 61 (14), pp. 3417-3421. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Sep 13.
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Infectious disease epidemics may overshadow and exacerbate existing challenges in diagnosing lymphoma. We describe pragmatic strategies we have implemented to overcome diagnostic obstacles caused by the local tuberculosis (TB) and HIV epidemics in South Africa, which may serve as a guide to minimize diagnostic delay during the COVID-19 pandemic. We report on the diagnostic utility of a rapid-access lymph node core-biopsy clinic, where lymph node biopsies are taken from outpatients at their first visit. Analysis of tissue biopsies ( n  = 110) revealed the three most common conditions diagnosed were TB adenitis (34%), lymphoma (29%), and disseminated malignancy (20%). A first-attempt core-biopsy was able to diagnose lymphoma in 27/32 (84%) of cases. Compared with a historical cohort, the diagnostic interval (time from first health visit to diagnostic biopsy) for patients with lymphoma was significantly shorter, 13.5 vs 48 days ( p  = 0.002).

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1029-2403
Volume :
61
Issue :
14
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Leukemia & lymphoma
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
32921197
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/10428194.2020.1815016