Unusual case presentation of lichen simplex chronicus, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and nonpuerperal hyperprolactinemia-galactorrhea.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To report the association of nonpuerperal galactorrhea and severe pruritus with clinical stage IIB Hodgkin's lymphoma.

METHODS:

We present a detailed history, findings on physical examination, laboratory data, and results of diagnostic imaging in a 25-year-old woman. A review of the related literature and speculations about possible etiologic factors for this association are provided.

RESULTS:

Dermatologic evaluation of the patient revealed lichen simplex chronicus with multiple excoriations on the anterior chest area and lower extremities. High serum prolactin concentrations and easily expressible galactorrhea were present. Magnetic resonance imaging of the sella with 1-mm cuts, however, revealed a normal pituitary gland. Computed tomography showed multiple enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes, and a left supraclavicular lymph node biopsy revealed the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells and lymphocyte alterations consistent with the diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma. After one cycle of chemotherapy for management of the lymphoma, parallel reductions in serum prolactin concentrations and galactorrhea were noted.

CONCLUSION:

Possible causes for this syndrome include afferent mammary nerve stimulation resulting from scratching of pruritic skin and cytokine-induced hypersecretion of prolactin attributable to the lymphoma. Although uncommon, this syndrome may serve as an important harbinger of developing Hodgkin's lymphoma, and its disappearance may signify a therapeutic response.

• Authors: P K Win, I Popescu, R Nicoloff
• Journal: Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (Endocr Pract) 2001 Sep-Oct Vol. 7 Issue 5 Pg. 388-91 ISSN: 1530-891X [Print] United States
• PMID: 11585377 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Adult
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (therapeutic use)
• Biopsy
• Female
• Galactorrhea (complications, diagnosis)
• Hodgkin Disease (complications, diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Humans
• Hyperprolactinemia (complications, diagnosis)
• Lymph Nodes (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Lymphocytes (pathology)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Mediastinum
• Neurodermatitis (complications, diagnosis)
• Reed-Sternberg Cells (pathology)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed