The comparison of clinical and imaging characteristics between AIDS-related diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt's lymphoma

Abstract Background AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (AR-NHL) is one of the major causes of death in HIV-infected patients. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) are most common types. Objective This study evaluated the clinical and imaging differences between the two pathological types. Methods This study was a multi-center retrospective study comparing clinical and CT imaging information in 92 patients with AR-DLBCL and 41 with AR-BL. The imaging characteristics, involved sites, the progression or death time and prognosis were compared in both groups of patients. Results Homogeneous texture was more common seen in AR-DLBCL both in plain scans (P = .004) and contrast enhancement scans (P = .027). The moderate enhancement was more common seen in AR-DLBCL than that in AR-BL (P = .011). Lesions with irregular shape, fusion tendency and extracapsular infiltration were relatively more common detected in AR-BL. Liver, pancreas, spleen and lung were more prone to be involved in AR-BL. There were no significant differences in clinical parameters and progression or death time between the two groups. Conclusion Homogeneous texture and moderate enhancement support AR-DLBCL as heterogeneous and poor enhancement support AR-BL.