Keywords
Lymphoma
Positron emission tomography computed tomography
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Abstract
Objective: To report a case of a Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) that mimicked lymphoma during the diagnostic investigation. Case details: A 44-year-old woman was referred to a hospital with suspected lymphoma. She presented with a one-month history of lower limb weakness, accompanied by left lower limb paresthesia, asthenia, Raynaud's phenomenon, and a six-kilogram weight loss. Physical examination revealed an emaciated appearance with microstomia, reduced facial expression marks, sclerodactyly, skin thickening in the upper limbs, muscle weakness in all limbs, and lymphadenopathy in the left cervical and inguinal regions. Pulmonary auscultation revealed crackles at the lung bases. A PET-CT scan revealed increased uptake in the lymph nodes. During hospitalization, the patient tested positive for Anti-RNP antibodies, and the immunohistochemical analysis of a lymph node biopsy showed a reactive pattern. Based on the clinical and laboratory findings, a diagnosis of MCTD was made, and appropriate treatment was initiated. After six months of treatment, a new PET-CT scan showed the disappearance of the affected lymph nodes. Final considerations: MCTD is a rare, complex condition that can mimic other diseases, such as lymphoma, making early and accurate diagnosis essential.
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