Review for 10.1186/s12876-021-02050-7 (2021)

Reviewer’s report
Title: 
An unusual cause of ascites: Castleman disease
Version: 
0 
Date: 
22 May 2021
Reviewer: 
Valerio Rosato
Reviewer's report:
The authors of the case report, submitted by Xiu Liu ZHU, described a very
interesting case Castleman disease with ascites as presenting symptom. 
The work has potential to gain interest to the readers and increases the evidences
actually available on this topic, but some revisions are needs to make the
manuscript suitable for the publication.
The authors should clarify how the diagnosis of portal hypertension was
excluded. 
Was a measurement of HVPG performed?
Alternatively, was a liver biopsy performed to rule out other rare causes of portal
hypertension?
Otherwise, such clarifications should be reported as limitations of case report. 
In HIV patients, some widespread forms of Castleman disease are associated to
HHV8 infection. (Infection. 2021 May 4;1-7. doi: 10.1007/s15010-021-01618-
5). Has HIV infection been ruled out?
The authors are high recommended to add some statement on this topic.
The authors report that the patient refused CHOP therapy and, therefore,
thalidomide treatment was administered. Why was not associated a steroid
therapy?
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Is the study design appropriate to answer the research question (including the use
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presented?
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