Extraocular muscle enlargement: rare presentation of plasmablastic lymphoma

Abstract

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a very rare and highly aggressive variant of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is usually seen in the oral cavity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-affected individuals. Very few cases of PBL are reported in the orbit till date. Morphologically and immunologically, it can mimic plasma cell myeloma. It is highly fatal and poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the treating clinician. This scenario makes reporting of such rare tumors more relevant. We report a rare case of PBL of the orbit in a 49-year-old HIV-positive lady who presented with acute onset of painful proptosis and loss of vision in her left eye.