EBV-associated hepatic smooth muscle tumor after lung transplantation: report of a case and review of the literature

Multifocal EBV-associated smooth muscle tumors in a patient with cytomegalovirus infection after liver transplantation: a case report from Shiraz, Iran

Introduction

Immunodeficient patients, including the recipients of solid organs, exhibit an increase in the incidence of neoplasms. Post-transplant smooth muscle tumor (PTSMT) is a distinct and infrequent entity of these groups of neoplasms. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is considered to be involved in the etiology of this neoplasm.

Case report

A 28-year-old man who underwent liver transplantation presented with abdominal pain and diarrhea for several months. He had a history of resistant systemic cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after transplantation. Radiologic evaluation and colonoscopy revealed multiple liver, spleen, lung, and colon lesions. Microscopic assessment of colon and liver lesions using IHC study were in favor of spindle cell proliferation with mild atypia and a mild increase in mitotic rate without any necrosis, with features of smooth muscle tumor. Considering the transplantation history, EBER chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) study on paraffin blocks was requested, which demonstrated EBV RNA in tumor cell nuclei, suggesting EBV-associated smooth muscle tumor. In addition, PCR for CMV on paraffin blocks was positive. PCR for EBV and CMV viremia were negative. The dosage of immunosuppressive agents was reduced, and currently, he is being followed, with slow expansion in the size of the lesions.

Conclusion

Although the incidence of post-transplant smooth muscle tumors (PTSMTs) is low, it should be remained in the differential diagnosis in post-transplantation patients, especially dealing with multifocal tumors. As strong stimulant for smooth muscle tumors, close follow-up and screening for EBV and CMV infection and early treatment at the time of diagnosis are recommended to avoid these virus-induced tumors.

Adoptive Cell Transfer of Allogeneic Epstein–Barr Virus-Specific T Lymphocytes for Treatment of Refractory EBV-Associated Posttransplant Smooth Muscle Tumors: A Case Report

Posttransplant smooth muscle tumors (PTSMTs) are rare Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-associated neoplasms, mostly occurring after solid organ transplantation. Current therapeutic strategies include surgery and reduction of immunosuppressive medication. We describe for the first time a novel treatment approach for PTSMT by adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of EBV-specific T cells to a 20-year-old patient with a medical history of cardiac transplantation, posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease, and multilocular PTSMT. During ACT, mild cytokine release syndrome occurred, while no unexpected safety signals were recorded. We observed in vivo expansion of EBV-specific T cells and reduction of EBV viremia. Best response was stable disease after 4 months with reduction of EBV viremia and normalization of lactate dehydrogenase levels. ACT with EBV-specific T cells may be a safe and efficacious therapeutic option for PTSMT that warrants further exploration.

Case history on Epstein-Barr Virus-associated smooth muscle tumor (EBV-SMT) of cranio-cervical junction in an immunocompetent patient

Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumor (EBV-SMT) is a rare mesenchymal tumor that almost exclusively occurs in immunocompromised hosts. Here, we report a 75-year-old Taiwanese woman without definite immune-deficient history presenting with progressive occipital neuralgia, low cranial nerve deficits (CN9-12) and cervical (C1-C5) radiculopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 4.5*4.0*6.7 cm infiltrating mass occupying posterior skull base and C1-C2 vertebra and C1-5 epidural extension with bone destruction and vertebral artery (VA) encasement. There was also a synchronous 2.7 cm tonsillar tumor. A two-stage operation for cranio-cervical tumor excision and stabilization was performed. Tumor was confirmed directly arising from VA intraoperatively. Pathology reported a spindle cell neoplasm and the diagnosis of EBV-SMT was confirmed by EBER (EBV-encoded small RNA) in situ hybridization. An immune survey and reconstruction should be conducted for patient with EBV-SMT. A near-total resection of tumor may be beneficial for local control, however, the role of surgical resection in treating CNS EBV-SMT remains to be determined.

Role of surgery in treating epstein-barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumor (EBV-SMT) with central nervous system invasion: A systemic review from 1997 to 2019

Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumor (EBV-SMT) is a rare mesenchymal tumor occurred almost exclusively in immunocompromised hosts. This article provides a systematic review of literature under PRISMA guideline on clinical features, treatment modalities, roles of surgical intervention, and outcomes of all 65 reported EBV-SMTs with central nervous system (CNS) invasion. Over 95% of reported cases were immunocompromised, while human immunodeficiency virus infection and post-organ transplantation were the most commonly associated underlying causes (near 90%). Despite a heterogeneous follow-up period, a 1-year survival rate of 76.0% and 5-year survival rate of 59.6% may support the indolent and non-deadly nature of EBV-SMT even with CNS invasion. Immune survey and reconstruction should be conducted for every patient with CNS EBV-SMT. Surgical resection is mostly adopted as primary treatment to obtain diagnosis and relieve compressive effect. A total resection of tumor may be beneficial if tumor was symptomatic and had intracranial invasion.

Epstein-Barr virus associated smooth muscle tumors in solid organ transplant recipients: Incidence over 31 years at a single institution and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated smooth muscle tumors (EBV-SMT) are a rare complication of solid organ transplantation (SOT). Incidence data related to this EBV-SMT are limited. EBV DNA is universally present in these tumors. How these cells get infected with EBV, whether this is a result of primary EBV infection vs reactivation, and how persistent active EBV infection post-transplant influences EBV-SMT pathogenesis remains unknown.

METHODS

Among 5006 SOT recipients (474 pediatric, 4532 adult) receiving SOT at our center between Jan 1984 and Dec 2015, three cases of post-transplant EBV-SMT were identified.

RESULTS

All cases were pediatric heart transplants who were EBV seronegative prior to transplant, and experienced primary EBV infection with persistently elevated EBV viral loads, despite antiviral therapy. Two are deceased at 3.2 and 0.9 years post-diagnosis, while one remains alive 6.2 years post diagnosis. The overall local incidence of post-transplant EBV-SMT at our institution was 0.7 (95% CI, 0.2-1.7) per 1000 patient years, and 2.6 (95% CI, 0.6-6.7) per 1000 patient years in pediatric heart transplants. A literature review identified 36 pediatric and 51 adult cases of post-transplant EBV-SMT.

CONCLUSIONS

We hypothesize that pre-transplant EBV seronegativity, followed by primary EBV infection and persistently high EBV viral loads, represents a unique risk factor for post-transplant EBV-SMT. Pediatric heart transplant recipients were found to be disproportionately affected by post-transplant EBV-SMT at our institution.

Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Pulmonary Smooth Muscle Tumor After Lung Transplantation

We report an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated pulmonary posttransplant smooth muscle tumor arising in the left lung of a 71-year-old bilateral lung transplant recipient nearly 3 years after transplantation, treated with thoracoscopic wedge resection. Four previous smooth muscle tumors have been reported following lung transplantation. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an EBV-positive posttransplant smooth muscle tumor within the transplanted lung. We describe the clinical, pathologic, and histologic diagnosis of this uncommon tumor.

Imaging findings in children with proliferative disorders following multivisceral transplantation

BACKGROUND

Multivisceral transplantation represents an important treatment option for children with intestinal failure. The attendant immunosuppression can lead to a spectrum of cellular proliferations including benign and malignant smooth muscle tumors and lymphoproliferative disorders, many related to cellular dysregulation from Epstein-Barr virus infection.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the rates of post-transplantation proliferative disorders among children with multivisceral transplantation and to characterize the imaging and pathological features of these disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified all consecutive children who underwent multivisceral transplant from August 2004 to October 2011 with at least 27 months of clinical and imaging follow-up. We reviewed medical records to determine the underlying causes of the multivisceral transplant, age at transplantation, onset of neoplasm development, and outcome. Two pediatric radiologists reviewed all imaging studies independently and diagnosis of disease was made by consensus interpretation. Pathological specimens were reviewed for histopathological findings of post-transplantation neoplasm in this pediatric patient population.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 14 consecutive pediatric patients (7 boys and 7 girls; mean age 26 months, range 4-113 months). Of these 14 children, 4 (29%) developed histologically confirmed post-transplant neoplasms at a mean time of 2.4 years after multivisceral transplantation. Types of neoplasms included post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in three (21%) and Epstein-Barr-virus-associated smooth muscle tumor in two (14%). (One child developed both neoplasms following transplantation). Both children with smooth muscle tumor associated with Epstein-Barr virus presented with characteristic hypointense solid masses with peripheral rim enhancement on cross-sectional imaging studies. The mortality rate of children who developed post-transplant neoplasms was higher than that of those who did not develop post-transplant neoplasm (50% vs. 10%, P = 0.17), suggesting a possible risk factor for death.

CONCLUSION

Post-transplant neoplasm in children with multivisceral transplantation occurs with high frequency, often presents as Epstein-Barr-virus-associated smooth muscle tumor showing characteristic peripheral rim enhancement on cross-sectional imaging studies.

Contemporary management and classification of hepatic leiomyosarcoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatic leiomyosarcomas are rare soft-tissue tumours. The majority of lesions previously considered as leiomyosarcomas have been identified as gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). Consequently, understanding of the role of liver resection for true leiomyosarcoma is limited, a fact that is exacerbated by the increasing recognition of leiomyosarcoma subtypes. This study presents data on the outcomes of liver resection for leiomyosarcoma and suggests an algorithm for its pathological assessment and treatment.

METHODS

Patients were identified from a prospectively collected departmental database. All tumours were negative for c-kit expression. Immunohistochemistry was performed to identify the presence of oestrogen or progesterone receptor (OR/PR) expression or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and patients were stratified according to this profile.

RESULTS

Eight patients (of whom seven were female) underwent a total of 11 liver resections over a 12-year period. One patient had a primary hepatic leiomyosarcoma. Of those with metastatic leiomyosarcomas, the primary tumours were located in the mesentery, gynaecological organs and retroperitoneum in four, two and one patient, respectively. Both leiomyosarcomas of gynaecological origin stained positive for OR/PR expression. One patient had previously undergone renal transplantation; this leiomyosarcoma was associated with EBV expression. Median survival was 56 months (range: 22-132 months) and eight, six and four patients remained alive at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic resection for leiomyosarcoma is associated with encouraging rates of 5-year overall and disease-free survival. The worse outcome that had been expected based on data derived from historical cohorts (partly comprising subjects with GIST) was not observed. An algorithm for pathological classification and treatment is suggested.

A de novo unclassified malignant spindle cell neoplasm of liver allograft

Spindle cell neoplasms are rarely reported in liver allografts; most are benign and associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection. We present a case of a malignant spindle cell neoplasm arising in a liver allograft. The patient underwent orthotopic liver transplant for cirrhosis secondary to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. After 2 years, he presented with vague abdominal complaints. Imaging studies revealed a 10-cm right hepatic lobe mass. The patient underwent right-sided hepatectomy. The tumor displayed areas of broad, relatively hypocellular fascicles, whorls, and perivascular clustering; spindle cells with mild to moderate nuclear pleomorphism; and relatively abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. Mitotic activity ranged from 2 to 4 mitotic figures per 20 high-power fields. Immunostaining displayed positivity for epithelial membrane antigen, vimentin, CD99, BCL2, cytokeratin, and human herpesvirus 8. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization findings were negative for a translocation involving the SS18 gene (18q11). We believe the tumor represents the first reported case of a novel unclassified spindle cell malignant neoplasm in a liver allograft.

Epstein-Barr virus associated smooth muscle tumors in post transplant pediatric patients two cases of rare locations, and review of the literature

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may present few or no symptoms in immunocompetent individuals; however, in immunocompromised patients as in the case of AIDS and post-transplant patients, the virus occasionally stimulates neoplastic transformations. Epstein-Barr virus may play a role in the development of smooth muscle tumors (SMT). In the case of Epstein-Barr associated smooth muscle tumors (EBV+SMT), the virus is thought to be the leading factor to the tumorigenic pathway. We report two pediatric patients (6 and 13 years old) who underwent liver transplantation and developed EBV+SMT in the colon and orbit. These two cases represent rare locations for this kind of lesion.

Sarcomas other than Kaposi sarcoma occurring in immunodeficiency: interpretations from a systematic literature review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In immunodeficiency, an increased sarcoma risk is confirmed for Kaposi's sarcoma. Whether rates of other sarcoma subtypes are elevated in the setting of immunodeficiency is not known. We therefore reviewed published case reports on HIV and AIDS patients and organ transplant recipients with sarcomas. For comparison, we assessed sarcomas in the U.S. general population using Surveillance Epidemiology End Results (SEER) data.

RECENT FINDINGS

A total of 176 non-Kaposi sarcoma were identified, 75 in people with HIV and AIDS and 101 in transplant recipients. Leiomyosarcomas (n = 101) were the most frequently reported sarcomas, followed by angiosarcomas (n = 23) and fibrohistiocytic tumors (n = 17). Leiomyosarcomas were reported with two age peaks, in children and young adults. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was detected in the tumor cells in 85 and 88% of leiomyosarcomas in HIV-infected people and transplant recipients, respectively. Angiosarcomas and fibrohistiocytic tumors were most frequently reported in men. Among kidney transplant recipients, 20% of sarcomas arose at the site of an arteriovenous fistula. In comparison, leiomyoscarcomas, angiosarcomas, and fibrohistiocytic tumors comprised 16.9, 3.8, and 18.7% of sarcomas in the U.S. general population.

SUMMARY

Leiomyosarcoma and angiosarcoma may occur disproportionately in immunodeficiency. Leiomyosarcomas appear causatively linked to EBV, whereas angiosarcomas might be correlated with an arteriovenous fistula. Additional studies are necessary to understand the contribution of immunodeficiency to the cause of these sarcomas.

Molecular and clinicopathological analysis of Epstein-Barr virus-associated posttransplant smooth muscle tumors

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated posttransplant smooth muscle tumors (PTSMT) are very rare complications. We aimed to provide a clinicopathological characterization which is based on our own case series (n = 5) as well as previously reported PTSMT cases (n = 63). Meta-analysis of PTSMT and molecular analysis of tumor cells from our cohort was performed. Most PTSMT developed in kidney-transplanted patients (n = 41/68, 60%). Liver/transplant liver was the main site of manifestation (n = 38/68, 56%). Tumors occurred after a median interval of 48 months (range 5-348) and developed earlier in children than in adults. Most tumors showed no marked cellular atypia, low mitosis rate and no tumor necrosis. Gene expression analysis of 20 EBV-related genes, including two microRNAs, revealed overexpression of MYC (p = 0.0357). Therapy was mainly based on surgical resection or reduced immunosuppression but no significant differences in overall survival were evident. Lower overall survival was associated with multiorgan involvement (n = 33/68, 48.5%) and particularly with intracranial PTSMT manifestation (n = 7/68, 10%; p < 0.02), but not transplant involvement (n = 11/68, 16%). In summary, PTSMT differ from conventional leiomyosarcomas by their lack of marked atypia, unusual sites of involvement and defining EBV association. Surgery and reduced immunosuppression show comparable clinical results and prognosis is associated with intracranial manifestation.

[Immunodeficiency and immunocompromised patients. Opportunistic infection of the lungs]

The number of patients suffering from innate, acquired or iatrogenic immunodeficiency is constantly rising. Thus the number of clinically relevant infections caused by rare or unusual pathogens is also increasing. Histopathological investigations allow the identification of difficult to culture infectious agents as well as the differentiation of tissue invasive infections from superficial colonization. In this review morphological reaction patterns and their differential diagnoses of the most common bacterial, viral and mycotic infections in the lungs of immunocompromised patients are discussed.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated adrenal smooth muscle tumors and disseminated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a child with common variable immunodeficiency: a case report and review of the literature

This article reports the clinical and the histological features in a 7-year-old girl affected by common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) who developed multiple Epstein-Barr virus-associated tumors, represented by bilateral adrenal smooth muscle tumors (EBV-SMT) and multifocal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The EBV-SMTs showed features compatible with a benign or at least a low-malignant potential neoplasm. A peculiar feature observed in both EBV-SMTs was the occurrence of numerous lymphocytes intermingled with the spindle cells, which consisted of CD3+ CD5+ T-cells, with a predominant cytotoxic CD8+ component. Interestingly, EBV status differed in the neoplasms, since the EBV-SMTs were negative for LMP1 and positive for EBER, whereas the B-cell lymphoma expressed both EBV markers. Furthermore, EBV-LMP1 deletion was positive only in the EBV-SMTs, thus indicating that these tumors were the consequence of 2 distinct, EBV-dependent transformations. Similarly, lymphocyte clonality assay also showed different clonal bands in different sites (skin and nasal cavity), suggesting the development of intratumoral mutations. Finally, the authors review all 127 previously reported EBV-SMT, with discussion of their clinical and pathological features.