title: Primary effusion lymphoma diagnosed by pericardiocentesis.
abstract: Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), formerly known as body cavity-based lymphoma, is a high-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with Kaposi's sarcoma and human herpesvirus 8 infection. It usually affects serous body cavities and results in recurrent lymphomatous effusions. PEL is often diagnosed in patients with HIV infection and carries a poor prognosis, with median survival near 6 months. We describe a patient who presented with symptomatic pericardial effusion, secondary to newly diagnosed PEL, and no prior history of HIV infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. MichaNem@BaylorHealth.edu
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Nemunaitis
authors.forename: Jeffrey M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Schussler
authors.forename: S Michelle
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Shiller
authors.forename: Louis M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Sloan
authors.forename: Robert G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Mennel