New Evidence of Significant Association between EBV Presence and Lymphoproliferative Disorders Susceptibility in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Development of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) is one of the well-known life-threatening complications in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. However, there is a lack of definitive conclusions regarding the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) activity in RA initiation and progression, especially in promoting LPDs. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that reported an EBV positive result in RA-LPD patients and controls were conducted. Studies published before 27 July 2021 were identified through PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. A total of 79 articles were included in the systematic review. The prevalence of EBV positive result among RA-LPD patients was 54% (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.45–1.64). There was a statistically significant association between EBV presence and LPD susceptibility in RA patients in comparison with all controls (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.29–2.73) and in comparison with LPD patients only (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.15–3.19). This association was not shown in comparison with patients with autoimmune diseases other than RA who developed LPD (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.30–2.09). This meta-analysis confirmed a high prevalence of EBV in the RA-LPD population. Furthermore, it provides evidence for the association between EBV presence and LPD susceptibility in RA patients, but not in those with other autoimmune diseases who developed LPD.

Clinicopathological characteristics of lymphoproliferative disorders in 232 patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Japan: A retrospective, multicenter, descriptive study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinicopathological characteristics of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

In this multicenter case series, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of RA patients who were newly diagnosed as having LPDs with or without biopsy confirmation between 2000 and 2017 in eight hospitals in Japan.

RESULTS

We included 232 patients with LPDs. The median age was 67 years (interquartile range [IQR], 60-73 years), and 77.1% were female. At the time of LPD diagnosis, 94.8% and 62.6% of the patients were methotrexate users and in remission or had low RA disease activity, respectively; lymphadenopathy and extranodal involvement were present in 77.1% and 51.9%, respectively. Major extranodal sites were the lungs and oral/oropharyngeal mucosa. The most common LPD pathological subtype was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (40.5%), followed by classic Hodgkin lymphoma (10.8%), Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucocutaneous ulcer (7.7%), and reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (6.2%). The clinical and laboratory characteristics varied across the pathological subtypes.

CONCLUSION

LPD occurred mainly in methotrexate users, while RA disease activity did not seem to be associated with LPD development. Although the clinical manifestations vary among pathological subtypes, manifestations of LPD in patients with RA can include lymphadenopathy, extranodal mass, and mucocutaneous ulcer.

[Regression of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after discontinuation of salazosulfapyridine]

An 81-year-old man with a 3-year history of salazosulfapyridine (SASP) therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presented with pulmonary infiltrates and underwent computed tomography-guided biopsy. The histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). He was recommended chemotherapy, which he refused. Due to the possibility of other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders, SASP therapy was discontinued. SASP therapy withdrawal led to near-complete resolution of the lung infiltration shadows, and the serum soluble interleukin 2 receptor level returned to the normal range. This is the first report of a case of remission of DLBCL, following SASP therapy withdrawal in a patient with RA.

CB-LPD, MGUS, T-LGLL, and PRCA: A rare case report of 4 concomitant hematological disorders

RATIONALE

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a clinically asymptomatic clonal plasma cell or lymphoplasmacytic proliferative disorder. Recently, some case reports have described the association of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) with MGUS, even with a relatively low monoclonal immunoglobulin burden. T large granular lymphocyte leukemia (T-LGLL) is a chronic lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by clonal expansion of T large granular lymphocytes, which is rare in China. There are some reports about T-LGL leukemia in patients with B-cell lymphoma; however, it is very rare that T-LGLL coexists with MGUS and clonal B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (CB-LPD).

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 77-year-old man was hospitalized because of anemia. He was diagnosed with MGUS, CB-LPD, and PRCA. During the development of the disease, a group of abnormal T lymphocytes was detected by flow cytometry of peripheral blood.

DIAGNOSIS

Combining clinical manifestations with the result of T cell receptor gene rearrangement and immunophenotype, it was consistent with the diagnosis of T large granular lymphocyte leukemia.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treat with bortezomib and dexamethasone regimen, Rituximab and sirolimus.

OUTCOMES

The patient was transfusion independent after therapies.

LESSONS

We report a patient with 4 concomitant hematological disorders: T-LGLL, MGUS, CB-LPD, and PRCA, aiming to represent the clinical and flow cytometry characteristics of these concomitant diseases, analyze the mechanism between diseases, and provide a clinical reference.

Abdominal Pain in the Immunocompromised Patient

Abdominal pain in an immunocompromised patient represents a common clinical scenario that may have uncommon causes. Evaluation relies first on identifying the immunocompromise, whether due to congenital immunodeficiencies, malignancy, hematopoietic stem cell transplant, solid organ transplant, or human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Based on this determination, the emergency physician may then build a focused differential of pathophysiologic possibilities. Careful evaluation is necessary given the absence of classic physical examination findings, and liberal use of laboratory and cross-sectional imaging is prudent. Conservative evaluation and disposition of these high-risk patients is important to consider.

Acquired hemophilia A associated with Epstein-Barr-virus-associated T/natural killer-cell lymphoproliferative disease: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare bleeding disorder caused by autoantibodies against factor VIII (FVIII). Hematological malignancies, especially lymphoid malignancies, are known to be underlying causes of AHA; however, thus far, there is no report of AHA associated with Epstein-Barr-virus-associated T/natural killer-cell lymphoproliferative disease (EBV-T/NK-LPD). Here, we present a case of AHA that developed during treatment for EBV-T/NK-LPD.

HISTORY

A 69-year-old man visited our hospital because of general fatigue. Blood examination showed pancytopenia, and computed tomography revealed whole-body lymphadenopathy, but there were no findings indicating hematological malignancy from bone marrow aspiration and cervical lymph node biopsy. The level of EBV DNA in peripheral blood was extremely high, and he was diagnosed with EBV-T/NK-LPD. EBV-T/NK-LPD improved with prednisolone (PSL) administration. Seventeen months after starting treatment, the patient complained of back and right leg pain. At that time, he had been treated with low-dose PSL, and EBV-T/NK-LPD was well controlled. Imaging revealed hematoma of the right iliopsoas muscle. Prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was the only abnormal finding in a screening coagulation test. FVIII coagulant activity was below detection limit, and FVIII inhibitor level was increased. From these results, he was diagnosed with AHA.A higher dose of PSL was administered, and, after 1 month of treatment, FVIII activity gradually increased, and FVIII inhibitor level became undetectable. APTT also normalized, and complete remission was achieved and maintained for 13 months with low-dose PSL. During treatment, EBV-T/NK-LPD was well controlled.

CONCLUSION

It is speculated that proliferating lymphocytes interfere with normal immune functions and that abnormal autoantibodies are produced from those lymphocytes in patients with LPD. Therefore, we speculate that EBV-infected and proliferating monoclonal NK cells might have modulated the immune system and produced autoantibodies against FVIII, thus causing AHA in this patient with EBV-T/NK-LPD.

Acute Brain Stroke Evolution Detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI Justifies the Discordance of Lesions in a Patient With Lymphoproliferative Syndrome

ABSTRACT

A 50-year-old man with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in complete response to treatment presented new hypermetabolic brain lesions on 18F-FDG PET/CT suggestive of malignancy. These findings were correlated by MRI that showed cortical-subcortical peripheral lesions typical of acute ischemic infarction. A restaging 18F-FDG PET/CT showed that hypermetabolic lesions were replaced by ametabolic areas, supporting chronic infarction. Early ischemia presents transitory FDG increase. Brain lymphomas are highly FDG avid and difficult to differentiate from acute cerebral infarction. In view of the discordance of abnormal areas of intracranial uptake on PET FDG, MRI confirmation is required to avoid misinterpretation.

Recurrent Enteritis Associated with Epstein-Barr Virus-positive CD4+ T-cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

We encountered a patient with multiple myeloma treated with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) who developed repeated episodes of enteritis but regressed spontaneously. An endoscopic examination revealed no abnormalities, but biopsy specimens showed massive infiltration of CD4⁺ and Epstein-Barr encoding region (EBER⁺) abnormal lymphocytes in which a high copy number of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) genomes was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). EBV infection was exclusively detected in CD4⁺ T-cells, leading to a diagnosis of EBV-positive CD4⁺ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD). This case suggests that an immediate biopsy and examinations, including qPCR for EBV DNA, should be considered for patients with recurrent enteritis after autologous HSCT, regardless of endoscopic findings.

Trisomy 3, a sole recurrent cytogenetic abnormality in pediatric polymorphic post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD)

Trisomy 3 has been previously reported in association with T-cell lymphomas and less commonly in different types of non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas. Trisomy 3 has also been reported in two cases of pediatric post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). We present comprehensive clinicopathologic review of two pediatric patients with cardiac and liver/intestinal allografts that developed polymorphic PTLD characterized by trisomy 3. Both patients had Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viremia and EBV was positive in tissue by EBER in situ hybridization. Using karyotype analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization, we identified trisomy 3 in both patients. Both patients responded to treatment and are now free of the PTLD. Trisomy 3, an uncommon cytogenetic finding in pediatric polymorphic PTLD, may be a recurrent cytogenetic aberration if confirmed in a larger study of pediatric PTLDs. Further clinical follow up might help stratify significance of trisomy 3 as a prognostic factor.

Gastric Perforation due to Iatrogenic Immunodeficiency-associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder during the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

A 71-year-old woman being treated with methotrexate (MTX) and tacrolimus (TAC) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was admitted to our hospital and underwent surgery for gastric perforation and peritonitis. An endoscopic examination six days post-surgery showed an extensive ulcer in the stomach, and a biopsy revealed diffused large B-cell lymphoma. We diagnosed her with immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) and discontinued the MTX and TAC. She underwent gastrectomy due to stenosis approximately two months after the first operation, but the histopathological findings of lymphoma had disappeared. LPD should be considered as a potential cause of gastric perforation during RA treatment.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Complicated with Nasal Septum Perforation Due to Methotrexate-associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder

A 44-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate (MTX) and tocilizumab (TCZ) was admitted to our hospital with nasal pain. Nasal fiberscopy revealed septum perforation, while a membrane biopsy indicated granuloma and fibrinoid necrosis of the small artery. The patient was treated with prednisolone 30 mg/day after discontinuation of MTX and TCZ. Inguinal lymph node biopsy revealed diffuse infiltrations of atypical T-cells and Epstein-Barr virus-positive B cells. The patient was diagnosed with peripheral T-cell lymphoma due to MTX-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (MTX-LPD). We herein describe the case of a patient with nasal septum perforation due to MTX-LPD mimicking granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Indolent T-cell lymphoproliferative disease with synchronous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Indolent T-cell lymphoproliferative disease (T-LPD) of gastrointestinal tract is a rare recently described disease that seldom progresses. We report a case of T-LPD with synchronous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that cause aggravation of disease.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 46-year-old Chinese male presented with intermittent paraumbilical colic pain, bloating, and occasional diarrhea for 10 years. His condition aggravated with partial bowel obstruction recently. The patient was diagnosed as T-LPD initially based on histological result and T-cell receptor-gamma clonal gene rearrangement test. The patient was followed without chemotherapy. His condition stabilized for 1 year and then deteriorated with small intestine perforation.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was diagnosed as indolent T-LPD and DLBCL finally.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient had surgery for intestine perforation and received chemotherapy for DLBCL and T-LPD afterward.

OUTCOMES

At 6 months follow-up, the patient continued to have resolution of his symptoms.

LESSONS

Early detection of high-grade transformation of T-LPD or the coexistence of aggressive lymphoma is essential for the patient. DLBCL may coexist in the indolent course of T-LPD. The diagnosis of T-LPD should be made cautiously in case with progressing symptoms such as intestinal obstruction.

[A Case of Small Bowel Perforation Caused by Malignant Lymphoma after Methotrexate Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis]

A 73-year-old woman had a history of medication, including methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, for 5 years. She had chronic epigastralgia for 2 weeks and found to have multiple submucosal tumors on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in another hospital. She had a strong abdominal pain thereafter and diagnosed as having gastrointestinal perforation on the basis of CT scans. Abdominal examination revealed disseminated peritonitis, and emergency laparoscopic surgery was performed on the day of admission. A 1 cm perforation of the ileum was identified, and a 5 cm mass of the mesentery near the perforation was also identified. Small bowel partial resection, including both lesions, was performed. From the intraoperative findings, methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorders(MTX-LPD)was suspected, and methotrexate was discontinued after the surgery. At a later date, the pathological result from both the surgical specimen and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was diffuse large B cell lymphoma(DLBCL). CT scan, PET-CT scan, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were performed 1-2 months after surgery, and no tumor was identified. Currently, 6 months after the surgery, the patient is still alive without any progression of the lymphoma.

[Clinical and pathological features of 13 children with Epstein-Barr virus-positive lymphoproliferative disease]

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics, virological and histopathological features, clinical outcome of Epstein-Barr virus-positive lymphoproliferative disease (EBV(+)LPD) in children. Methods: The clinical and follow-up data of 13 children histopathologically diagnosed as EBV(+)LPD in the Department of Infectious Disease of Beijing Children's Hospital between January 2011 and December 2016 were summarized. Results: Of the 13 patients, 5 were males and 8 females. The median age of disease onset was 6.0 years (range 1.3 to 15.0 years). The median duration between disease onset and diagnosis was 3 months (range 1 to 24 months). All the 13 patients had fever, 9 cases had hepatosplenomegaly and lymphoadenopathy, 4 cases had only lymphoadenopathy, 7 cases had reduced peripheral blood cells, 7 cases had lung involvement, 3 cases had central nervous system involvement, 3 cases had cardiac involvement, 3 cases had intestinal involvement, 2 cases had skin involvement and 1 case had abdominal mass. All the 13 patients underwent whole blood EBV-DNA PCR examination and the copies ranged from 1×10(8)/L to 1×10(11)/L. Pathology of lymph node confirmed 6 cases, skin pathology confirmed 2 cases, lung pathology, ileum mucosa pathology, liver pathology, abdominal mass pathology and bone marrow pathology confirmed 1 case each. Among 13 patients, 9 cases presented with EBV-positive T cell lymphoproliferative disease(EBV(+) T-LPD), 2 cases with hydroa vacciniforme (HV) and 2 cases with EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (EBV(+) DLBCL) . All the patients were followed up for 2 days to 65 months after discharge. Among 9 cases of EBV(+)T-LPD, 1 case died in a short time, 1 case died after evolved to T-cell lymphoma, 2 cases recovered after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, 1 case recovered after the chemotherapy of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis(HLH) 2004 protocol and 4 cases were stable now. Of 2 cases of HV patients, 1 case died after evolved to HV like lymphoma and the other still have symptoms. Among 2 cases of EBV(+) DLBCL, 1 case died shortly after discharge and the other was still stable after chemotherapy. Conclusions: Chronic recurrent fever, lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly are the most common clinical manifestations in children with EBV(+)LPD. Involvement of lung, central nervous system, intestinal tract, skin and other organs are also involved frequently. For children with chronic fever of unknown cause and accompanied by lymphadenopathy and (or) hepatosplenomegaly, EBV (+) LPD should be considered highly when the whole blood EBV-DNA load continues to increase significantly, early biopsy of the proliferative lesion should be performed to make a definite diagnosis. The prognosis of EBV (+) LPD is poor, and some evolve to lymphoma, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an effective way to treat this disease.

Kidney Involvement of Patients with Waldenström Macroglobulinemia and Other IgM-Producing B Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorders

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Kidney involvement in Waldenström macroglobulinemia is less well described compared with kidney manifestations in multiple myeloma.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Of the 1363 patients seen with Waldenström macroglobulinemia and other IgM-secreting B cell lymphoproliferative disorders seen at the Mayo Clinic between 1996 and 2015, 57 kidney biopsies were retrospectively studied. The biopsy findings were correlated with clinical, kidney, and hematologic characteristics. Criteria for inclusion were evidence of a monoclonal IgM protein and availability of a kidney and a bone marrow biopsy for review. Glomerular and tubulointerstitial pathologies were categorized according to whether they were related to the monoclonal IgM.

RESULTS

Of the 57 patients identified, monoclonal gammopathy-related kidney lesions were identified in 82% (47 of 57 biopsies), whereas nonmonoclonal gammopathy-related kidney lesions were seen in 18% (ten of 57). Monoclonal gammopathy-related kidney lesions included monoclonal Ig-related amyloidosis (n=19; 33%), nonamyloid glomerulopathy (n=20, 35%), and tubulointerstitial nephropathies (n=8; 14%). The most common monoclonal gammopathy-related kidney lesion was monoclonal Ig-related amyloidosis (n=19; 33%) followed by cryoglobulinemic GN (n=13; 28%). Lymphoma infiltration was the most common tubulointerstitial lesion (n=4; 9%). The hematologic diagnosis was Waldenström macroglobulinemia in 74% (n=42), monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance in 16% (n=9), and marginal zone lymphoma (n=2), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n=2), and low-grade B cell lymphoma (n=2) in 4% each.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms a diverse variety of kidney lesions in patients with monoclonal IgM gammopathy.

Primary Central Nervous System Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder Diagnosed by Peripheral Facial Nerve Palsy

Although primary central nervous system post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PCNS-PTLD) causes various symptoms depending on the tumor region, there has been no previous report of PCNS-PTLD in the cerebellopontine angle that was diagnosed due to peripheral facial nerve palsy. We herein report a case involving a 62-year-old man with PCNS-PTLD in the cerebellopontine angle who was diagnosed due to peripheral facial nerve palsy. The reduction of immunosuppressive therapy, whole-brain radiotherapy, intrathecal chemotherapy, and rituximab were effective in treating this patient. Physicians should therefore be mindful that PCNS-PTLD can cause peripheral facial nerve palsy in renal transplant recipients.

Oral Methotrexate-related Lymphoproliferative Disease Presenting with Severe Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Case Report and Literature Review

Long-term methotrexate (MTX) treatment can cause MTX-related lymphoproliferative disorder (MTX-LPD). We experienced a case of MTX-LPD that was associated with severe osteonecrosis of the jaw mimicking medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. The patient was an 81-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who was treated with MTX and bisphosphonate. After 7 years, she was referred to our department for the assessment of giant ulcer and exposure of the alveolar bone of the left maxilla. Histopathological and immunological analyses confirmed a diagnosis of MTX-LPD. At seven months after the cessation of MTX treatment, the ulcerative and necrotic lesions had markedly decreased in size. A 1-year follow-up examination showed no evidence of recurrence and good RA control.

Sinusoidal CD30+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma can masquerade as anaplastic large cell lymphoma in pediatric posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a known complication of solid organ transplantation. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is frequently seen in this setting. However, CD30+ DLBCL with sinusoidal pattern of involvement has not been reported in pediatric PTLD. We are reporting a 9-year-old female child presented with diffuse lymphadenopathy postheart transplantation. The pattern of involvement was suggestive of anaplastic large cell lymphoma, but the malignant cells were positive for B-cell markers and negative for anaplastic lymphoma kinase. The patient was treated aggressively with multiagent chemotherapy and rituximab. Accurate diagnosis in PTLD is paramount in making management decisions.

Traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia: a malignant-appearing benign lesion

Traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia (TUGSE) is an underreported diagnosis in dermatologic literature. Rapid expansion with an ulcerative clinical appearance often provokes fear of malignancy despite its benign nature. Traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia is thought to be a reactive tissue response to trauma, but CD30⁺ mononuclear cells within a TUGSE lesion suggests the possibility of an underlying lymphoproliferative disorder. This case highlights the clinical and histological features of TUGSE and provides a brief review of the literature addressing this debate. Knowledge of this condition, which uncommonly presents to the practicing dermatologist, is important in providing appropriate patient care and counseling. When correctly identified, unnecessary therapies and emotional stress can be avoided.

A case report of lymphoid intestitial pneumonia in common variable immunodeficiency: Oligoclonal expansion of effector lymphocytes with preferential cytomegalovirus-specific immune response and lymphoproliferative disease promotion

RATIONALE

Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP) is a rare disease with lymphocytic infiltration of the alveolar interstitial and air spaces, sometimes classified as a clonal lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) with high prevalence in patients with immunodysregulation. Although association of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma development with infectious agents has been well described, it is not so in the case of LIP. Attempts to demonstrate an infective cause by direct microbe detection have failed, but association with atypical specific immune response to opportunistic infectious agent has not been studied.

PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES

We performed clinical, biochemical, and immunologic analysis of patients LIP that arises primarily from the common variable immune deficiency (CVID) with normal immunoglobulin class M (IgM) level and mild infectious course as a result of immunodysregulation. At the age of 13 multiple nodules, areas of consolidation were observed and LIP was confirmed by histological examination. The progression of the disease with massive splenomegaly (17→27 cm), lymphadenopathy soft tissue infiltration coincides with high standardized uptake value (SUV was 3.1-5.2), regulatory T cells decrease (CD4+25FoxP3+ level -0.02%, i.e., 8 cells per 100 μL), oligoclonal gammapathy: very high IgM (3340 mg/dL) and β2-microglobulin (18.8 mg/L) level observed 10 years later.Immune response polarization was observed in humoral and cellular compartment -Th and Tc-dependent: 10.8% of lymphocytes are CD8high+CMV pp65-pentamer positive cells (Epstein-Barr virus-specific not observed). Specific immune response polarization correlates with negative immunofixation, light chains κ/λ = 2.84 and narrow, but non-monoclonal T cell receptor (TCR)/ B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire.

LESSONS

Taking everything into account, this case report shows that LIP is a consequence of immune-dysregulation in CVID, that is, Treg deficiency, narrow lymphocyte repertoire, and abnormal ability to respond to cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens. It may be visualized by positron emission tomography (PET) and monitored by CMV-specific immune response, β2-microglobulin level, and IgM paraproteinaemia, but not by immunofixation and κ/λ ratio.

An Overview of Thrombophilia and Associated Laboratory Testing

Venous thromboembolism, usually entailing deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or both, is a complex and multifactorial disorder, in which a number of putative conditions interplay and finally contribute to propel the individual risk over a certain degree, so ultimately culminating in the development of venous occlusive disorders. Thrombophilia is commonly defined as a propensity to develop venous thromboembolism on the basis of an underlying hypercoagulable state attributable to inherited or acquired disorders of blood coagulation or fibrinolysis. The thrombophilic conditions are conventionally classified as inherited (or genetically determined) and acquired. The former include deficiencies of natural anticoagulants such as antithrombin, protein C, protein S, increased values of clotting factors (especially factor VIII), as well as prothrombotic polymorphisms in genes encoding for factor V (i.e., factor V Leiden) and prothrombin. The latter conditions mainly entail antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, malignancy, acquired elevations of coagulation factors or acquired reduction of natural inhibitors, or hyperhomocysteinemia. Deepened knowledge of all potential risk factors, as well as the clear understanding of their role in the pathophysiology of venous thrombosis, are both essential to help achieve a faster and more efficient diagnosis of this condition as well as a more effective prophylaxis of patients at higher risk and treatment of those with manifest disease.

High-dose Chemotherapy with Stem Cell Rescue Provided Durable Remission for Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma-type Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder after Unrelated Cord Blood Transplantation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

An adult woman developed polymorphic post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) 58 months after unrelated cord blood transplantation. She was treated successfully with chemotherapy and radiation therapy but presented with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly 74 months after transplantation. A lymph node biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of nodular sclerosis type Hodgkin lymphoma (classical Hodgkin lymphoma [CHL]-type PTLD). After salvage therapy and hematopoietic stem cell harvesting, she was subsequently treated with consolidative high-dose chemotherapy with melphalan followed by stem cell rescue, which resulted in durable remission. High-dose chemotherapy using stem cell rescue has potential as a therapeutic option for subsequent CHL-type PTLD.

Two Unrelated Burkitt Lymphomas Seven Years Apart in a Patient With X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Disease Type 1 (XLP1)

OBJECTIVES

We describe a rare case of a male child with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease type 1 (XLP1) who presented with Burkitt lymphoma (BL) when he was 6 years old, achieved a complete response to therapy, and developed a second BL after seven years.

METHODS

Diagnostic H&E stained slides and ancillary studies were reviewed for both lymphomas. B-cell clonality by PCR and SNP array studies were performed on both specimens.

RESULTS

Both lymphomas were Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) negative. Flow cytometry showed λ light chain restriction in the initial BL and κ light chain restriction in the subsequent BL. B-cell clonality testing indicated that the two lymphomas are not clonally related. SNP array analysis of the second BL showed genomic changes that were not present in the first BL.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm that these two tumors represent unrelated BLs. Pathologists and clinicians should be aware that second lymphomas in XLP1 patients may represent new neoplasms rather than late relapses.