Diagnostic delay and histopathological subtyping challenges in idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease, not otherwise specified: a case report of a three-hospital odyssey - Report - MDSpire

Challenges in Diagnosis and Histopathological Classification of Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman Disease: A Case Study Involving Multiple Healthcare Facilities

  • By

  • Fen Zhang

  • Nan Wang

  • Ying-yu Wang

  • Ye Peng

  • Yan-chen Bao

  • Hua-zheng Shi

  • Qian-wen Xiao

  • Xiao-li Zhang

  • Xiao-xi Wang

  • Chun-mei Liao

  • Jing Pan

  • Wei-qiang Teng

  • July 20, 2026

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Challenges in Diagnosis and Histopathological Classification of Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman Disease

Background

Castleman disease (CD) encompasses a group of rare lymphoproliferative disorders that are often misdiagnosed due to their heterogeneous nature. Accurate diagnosis and subtyping are crucial for effective management, particularly in cases of iMCD-NOS, which can present with systemic symptoms and elevated inflammatory markers.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the article.

Key Findings

  • A 53-year-old male presented with persistent right submandibular lymphadenopathy and systemic inflammatory symptoms.
  • Histopathological examination revealed disrupted lymph node architecture and mixed-type Castleman disease.
  • Final diagnosis of iMCD-NOS was made after excluding HHV-8 infection and other mimickers.
  • Excisional biopsy was deemed essential for accurate diagnosis compared to core needle biopsy.
  • The patient responded positively to treatment with siltuximab plus prednisone.

Clinical Implications

Castleman disease should be considered when encountering unexplained lymphadenopathy, systemic symptoms, and elevated inflammatory markers. Excisional biopsy is critical for accurate diagnosis, and systematic exclusion of differential diagnoses is necessary for proper subtyping.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the diagnostic challenges of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease-not otherwise specified (iMCD-NOS) and highlights the importance of excisional biopsy over core needle biopsy, systematic exclusion of differential diagnoses, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Mumau et al, The New England Journal of Medicine, 2025 -- Using AI to Identify Treatment Options for Castleman Disease
  2. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Case report: A rare case of retroperitoneal mixed type unicentric Castleman disease
  3. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Castleman disease: clinical features, pathology, and treatment outcomes in 12 cases
  4. Blood Cancer Journal, 2015 -- Effectiveness of Bortezomib and Thalidomide in Treating Recurrent Multicentric Mixed-Type Castleman's Disease
  5. International, evidence-based consensus diagnostic criteria for HHV-8–negative/idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease - PMC
  6. International, evidence-based consensus treatment guidelines for idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease - PMC
  7. Siltuximab for multicentric Castleman disease - PubMed
  8. International, evidence-based consensus diagnostic criteria for HHV-8–negative/idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease - PMC
  9. International, evidence-based consensus treatment guidelines for idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease - PMC
  10. Siltuximab for multicentric Castleman disease - PubMed

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