EBV positive primary cutaneous CD30+ large T-cell lymphoma in a heart transplanted patient: case report

Am J Transplant. 2004 Nov;4(11):1915-20. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2004.00586.x.

Abstract

Most post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are of B-cell origin, whereas T-cell lymphomas rarely occur. We detail the clinicopathological features of the first case of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in the setting of heart transplant. A 71-year-old patient, 111 months after transplant, presented with multiple cutaneous lesions on the left thigh; histological and immunohistochemical examinations led to diagnosis of T-cell CD30+ ALCL. In situ hybridization demonstrated the presence of EBV-positive tumour cells. The patient received radiotherapy, but he relapsed at the same cutaneous site with loco-regional nodal spread. Chemotherapy was administered resulting in complete remission; four years later the patient is alive and well. Our findings indicate that primary cutaneous EBV+ CD30+ ALCLs should be included within the T-cell PTLDs spectrum; further studies are required to confirm whether they may be also considered, in transplantation settings, a distinct lymphoma subset with relatively favourable outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antigens, CD / blood
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use
  • HIV Seropositivity*
  • Heart Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Ki-1 Antigen / blood*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / immunology*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / complications*
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / immunology
  • RNA, Viral / analysis
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Ki-1 Antigen
  • RNA, Viral
  • Cyclosporine