Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Primary effusion lymphoma is a low-frequency and high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma caused by the Human Herpes virus 8. It mainly affects individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), although it has also been described in HIV-negative cases. It is characterized by the presence of a malignant lymphomatous effusion in the different serous cavities, the pleural cavity being the most affected. Involvement outside the serosae is very rare. Diagnosis is made by analysis of the fluid accumulated in the serosae or by biopsy of the same, demonstrating the presence of characteristic neoplastic lymphocytes. Treatment consists of different chemotherapy regimens associated with antiretroviral therapy in HIV-positive patients. The prognosis of this disease is poor, with a survival of a few months after diagnosis. METHODOLOGY: We present the case of an 83-year-old man, HIV negative, with left pleural effusion and ascites, observing a fluid with a predominance of mononuclear cells without the presence of malignant cells on cytological examination. RESULTS: The patient died and the autopsy made the diagnosis of Primary effusion lymphoma, also observing multisystemic extracavitary involvement. CONCLUSION: Although Primary effusion lymphoma preferentially affects HIV-positive individuals, the absence of HIV infection should not rule out the disease. Extracavitary involvement should be sought even in asymptomatic patients.