High-grade B-cell lymphoma presenting with bulbar palsy and Tapia syndrome: A case report.
Han Luo, Zengxia Zhao, Bo Liu
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 46-year-old male presented with dysphagia, which led to the diagnosis of high-grade B-cell lymphoma. His symptoms included bulbar palsy and Tapia syndrome, which are uncommon initial manifestations of lymphoma. Despite receiving systemic anti-tumor therapy, the patient experienced significant weight loss and extensive multi-organ involvement at follow-up, indicating a poor prognosis.
What made this case unusual
The case highlights the rare presentation of lymphoma with isolated bulbar palsy and Tapia syndrome, which can easily be mistaken for motor neuron disease, potentially delaying diagnosis.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider lymphoma in patients presenting with bulbar palsy and atypical neuroimaging findings, as these can mimic motor neuron disease.
Why it matters
This case underscores the importance of recognizing atypical presentations of lymphoma to facilitate timely diagnosis and appropriate management.