Primary esophageal lymphoma: a diagnostic challenge in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome--two case reports and review

Abstract

Although extranodal presentation occurs in the majority of cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the esophagus is only rarely affected. We discuss two patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who presented with dysphagia and weight loss, who were found to have human immunodeficiency virus-associated primary esophageal lymphoma. Both patients died within a few weeks of diagnosis, reflecting the poor prognosis associated with this malignancy. Primary esophageal lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis in a human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive patient presenting with dysphagia.