Pulmonary Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumor after kidney transplantation: two case reports with review of differential diagnosis

Rom J Morphol Embryol. 2024 Jan-Mar;65(1):107-112. doi: 10.47162/RJME.65.1.13.

Abstract

Pulmonary nodules are a common complication in solid organ transplant recipients, and may have various underlying causes, with Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumor (EBV-SMT) being one of them. Given the rarity of this entity, we describe the diagnosis and therapeutic interventions for post-transplant EBV-SMT in two individuals. Both cases involved female patients who were diagnosed with multiple pulmonary nodules 60 months and 116 months, respectively, after receiving living-related kidney transplantation. Pathological examination revealed a spindle cell tumor, with immunophenotype and EBV in situ hybridization supporting the diagnosis of EBV-SMT. After diagnosis, these two patients underwent intervention by decreasing their intake of immunosuppressants. As of the latest follow-up, the patients' lesion size remained stable, and their overall condition was favorable. We also reviewed literature about the morphological and molecular pathological features of EBV-SMT and highlighted the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of pulmonary spindle cell lesions especially in the setting of immunosuppression.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections* / complications
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections* / pathology
  • Female
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / genetics
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Smooth Muscle Tumor* / diagnosis
  • Smooth Muscle Tumor* / etiology
  • Smooth Muscle Tumor* / pathology