Diagnosis and treatment of adult patients with PTLD at different sites after liver transplantation: A three-case report and literature review

Transpl Immunol. 2023 Oct:80:101881. doi: 10.1016/j.trim.2023.101881. Epub 2023 Jun 29.

Abstract

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a rare complication accompanying organ transplantation. Herein, we presented 3 cases of PTLD with different primary sites. All three patients presented with symptoms in the corresponding organs or sites and the latter two patients started with atypical symptoms of infections. The first two patients who developed the disease about a year after liver transplantation both had EBV infections. All three patients received immunosuppressant reduction and antiviral therapy. In case 2, remission occurred midway. Adult liver transplantation recipients are at high risk for PTLD, and screening for EBV infection should be intensified in such recipients within 1 year after liver transplantation. Patients should be highly alert for the development of PTLD when new unidentified masses appear, for whom enhanced CT and tissue biopsy should be performed as early as possible.

Keywords: Case report; Cerebrospinal fluid; Epstein-Barr virus; Liver transplantation; Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Liver Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders* / etiology
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders* / therapy
  • Organ Transplantation*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents