Subcutaneous Panniculitis-like Lymphoma

Abstract

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like lymphoma (SPL) occurs primarily in younger adults, but can arise in persons of any age The usual presentation is that of an ulcerative and hemorrhagic panniculitis, presenting as multiple erythematous nodules often involving the lower extremities and abdomen (Figure 10.1). Coagulopathies are frequently observed in these patients. In addition, many of these patients display constitutional symptoms such as weight loss, fever, and fatigue. This disease may represent what was previously known as cytophagic histiocytic panniculitis, at least in some cases (1). The prognosis is ominous for some patients with the disease, while others tend to have a more indolent course (2). Fatal leukemic transformation has also been reported in these patients (3). While the parameters that affect the ultimate course of the disease and prognosis have not been fully elucidated, there have been preliminary attempts at developing criteria for those with a more favorable prognosis (4).