Montwedi, DanielRamabulana, M.Khan, Nausheen2025-10-012025-10-012025-06Montwedi, D., Ramabulana, M. & Khan, N. 2025, 'Anal plasmablastic lymphoma with complete response to antiretroviral therapy-a case report', South African Journal of Surgery, vol. 63, no. 2, pp. 98-100, doi : 10.36303/SAJS.00917.0038-2361 (print)2078-5151 (online)10.36303/SAJS.00917http://hdl.handle.net/2263/104547A 40-year-old male, known to be positive with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), presented with a large perianal mass and faecal obstruction. His CD4 count was 121 cells/mm3 suggesting advanced HIV disease, and he was started on second-line antiretroviral therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed a large mass involving the anorectal junction. A biopsy of the tumor revealed a plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL). A diverting colostomy was performed for faecal obstruction. While awaiting chemotherapy treatment, the tumour rapidly decreased in size with complete clinical resolution. PBL is rare and has a dismal prognosis. Spontaneous regression of PBL has been reported but regression on second-line antiretroval therapy has not been previously described.en© 2025 The Author(s). Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial Works 4.0 South Africa License (CC BY NC) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0.Case reportHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL)LymphomaAnal tumourAmmon regressionArticle