Frosted Branch Angiitis with Undiagnosed Hodgkin Lymphoma

Abstract

PURPOSE: To report the case of a patient with bilateral frosted branch angiitis and undiagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma. METHODS: Review of clinical history, laboratory findings, histology of supraclavicular lymph node biopsy, and follow-up. RESULTS: A 22-year-old man presented with a sudden, bilateral visual loss. Fundus examination and fluorescein angiography disclosed a bilateral frosted branch angiitis that was dramatically responsive to systemic corticosteroid therapy. Laboratory tests were unremarkable but radiologic studies showed extensive mediastinal and supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. A supraclavicular lymph node biopsy led to the diagnosis of nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of frosted branch angiitis in combination with classical Hodgkin lymphoma, although possibly coincidental, raises the possibility of a paraneoplastic syndrome. Thus, we suggest that, for patients with frosted branch angiitis, Hodgkin lymphoma should be considered in the diagnostic workup.