HIV-Associated Plasmablastic Lymphoma Following HAART-Related Immune Reconstitution

Plasmablastic lymphoma is a unique AIDS-related lymphoma. Data from the pre-highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era shows that they portend a poor prognosis. However, recent reports suggest that these lymphomas may respond to HAART. We describe a case of EBV-associated plasmablastic lymphoma in a 39-year-old homosexual man with concomitant pulmonary cryptococcus that was aggravated following the initiation of HAART. The exacerbation of plasmablastic lymphoma following HAART in this case may represent a novel manifestation of the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. This report highlights the fact that the optimal time to commence HAART in this setting remains to be established.