Plasmablastic lymphoma of bone in a human immunodeficiency virus positive child – A rare extra-oral presentation

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an aggressive variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma seen in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Though PBL was initially recognized as oral lesions in HIV infected individuals, various extra-oral sites of affection have been described. In general, PBL has a dismal prognosis with most patients dying within 2 years of initial presentation. We report the case of a ten year old girl presenting with multiple bone lesions and hepatosplenomegaly. Histopathology and immunophenotyping was suggestive of PBL. ELISA for HIV 1 was reactive. Despite her advanced stage at presentation, she responded well to Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy (HAART) and six cycles of chemotherapy (CHOP). She is continued on HAART and is on follow-up for 38 months.