[Adult T cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma by HTLV-1 in a young woman]

Rev Chilena Infectol. 2019 Apr;36(2):234-237. doi: 10.4067/S0716-10182019000200234.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Adult T cell lymphocyte leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a subtype of T-cell lymphoma caused by infection of the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1); which generates a pro-viral integration into the host DNA, resulting in a clonal expansion of T lymphocytes. We present the case of a 20-year-old woman who developed multiple lymphadenopathies, hepatosplenomegaly and fever, serum positivity for HTLV-1 and proviral integration in the host DNA, demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Immunohistochemistry of lymphoid node was positive to CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. ATLL has been described in all HTLV-1 endemic areas, however, there are differences in the mean age of its presentation in such areas: 40 to 50 years in South America, 60 years in Japan. We showed one of few reported cases of the lymphoma type of ATLL in young adults.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • HTLV-I Infections / virology*
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 1*
  • Humans
  • Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell / virology*
  • Lymphadenopathy / virology
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / virology*
  • Young Adult