EXTRANODAL NK T-CELL LYMPHOMA NASAL TYPE WITH CEREBRAL INVOLVEMENT: A CASE REPORT

Background: Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL), is a rare and aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, characterized by a distinctive clinicopathological profile including angiocentric growth, vascular destruction and extensive necrosis. It is universally associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, which plays a central role in its pathogenesis through latent viral gene expression and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Its clinical presentation often mimics inflammatory diseases, leading to diagnostic delay. Case presentation: We report the case of a 33-year-old male presenting with progressive nasal obstruction and destructive centrofacial lesions. Initial biopsies were non-diagnostic. Imaging suggested granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Repeated biopsies confirmed ENKTL. FDG PET-CT revealed locoregional extension with cerebral involvement. The patient was treated with an asparaginase-based regimen (MOGAD protocol) resulting in a partial metabolic response.