Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare and aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that primarily affects body cavities such as the pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal spaces. It is typically associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), also known as Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), and is often seen in individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.

Some key features of primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) include:

1. Presentation: PEL commonly presents as a lymphomatous effusion in body cavities without forming a solid tumor mass. The effusion can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and abdominal distension.
2. Diagnosis: The diagnosis of PEL is typically based on a combination of clinical presentation, laboratory tests, and cytological and immunophenotypic analysis of the effusion fluid. Detection of HHV-8 within the lymphoma cells is a crucial diagnostic marker for PEL.
3. Treatment: Due to its aggressive nature and poor prognosis, the treatment of PEL remains challenging. It often involves a combination of chemotherapy, antiretroviral therapy (in cases associated with HIV), and occasionally, local therapies such as drainage of the effusion. However, the overall response to treatment may be limited, and the disease often has a poor prognosis.
4. Prognosis: The prognosis for PEL is generally poor, with a median survival time of several months from the time of diagnosis. However, individual prognosis can vary based on various factors such as the patient’s overall health status, response to treatment,