Paraneoplastic Hepatitis Associated with Relapsed Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma

TL;DR

A rare case of chronic paraneoplastic hepatitis is reported in a patient with relapsed nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

Contribution

This case broadens the understanding of paraneoplastic hepatitis as a fibrosing condition associated with NLPHL.

Findings

Liver biopsy showed necrosis and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates without direct lymphoma involvement.

Corticosteroids and rituximab improved lymphoma but not liver function, with progression to fibrosis observed.

The case suggests a chronic and fibrosing form of paraneoplastic hepatitis linked to NLPHL.

Abstract

Background: Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is an indolent B-cell lymphoma with long-term survival and a tendency for late relapse. Hepatic manifestations of varying etiologies have been described in lymphoproliferative disorders. However, paraneoplastic hepatitis is rare, and reports typically describe acute presentations. We describe an unusual case of paraneoplastic hepatitis with an indolent and progressive clinical course occurring in the setting of relapsed NLPHL. Case Presentation: A 32-year-old man with a history of NLPHL was found to have marked transaminase elevation with preserved liver function during routine follow-up. Extensive evaluation excluded viral, autoimmune, and metabolic causes of liver disease. Liver biopsy demonstrated confluent and bridging necrosis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, without evidence of direct lymphoma involvement. Excisional biopsy of a cervical lymph node revealed relapse of NLPHL without histologic transformation. Treatment with corticosteroids resulted in partial biochemical improvement, and subsequent rituximab monotherapy achieved lymphoma remission. Despite this, low-grade transaminase elevation persisted, and follow-up imaging and liver biopsy demonstrated progression to fibrosis, suggesting a tendency towards chronicity. Conclusions: Paraneoplastic hepatitis should be considered in patients with NLPHL who present with unexplained liver abnormalities. This report illustrates a fibrosing form of paraneoplastic hepatitis associated with NLPHL and broadens the clinical spectrum of paraneoplastic hepatic injury. Early recognition, histological confirmation, and tailored immunosuppressive management are critical to optimizing hepatic and lymphoma-related outcomes.

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