Relapsed angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma with large pericardial effusion

T-cell lymphomas comprise 10% to 15% of all lymphoid malignancies and affect precursor or mature T cells; the latter are referred to as peripheral T-cell lymphomas. We present a case of a subtype, angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, in which a patient previously treated with chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant relapsed with B symptoms and large pericardial/pleural effusions. Recurrent lymphoma was confirmed on pericardial tissue biopsy. Treatment was trialed with lenalidomide and the effusions resolved. Five months later she died from septic shock and multiorgan failure. Our case highlights the need for rapid evaluation of B symptoms and/or new effusions in patients with a known history of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.