Extra-oral plasmablastic lymphoma: report of a case and review of literature

Oral Plasmablastic Lymphoma: A Rare Manifestation of HIV-Related Neoplasm-A Brief Clinical Study

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an uncommon and aggressive large B-cell lymphoma commonly diagnosed in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients. Though the oral cavity is a common site for PBL, this condition is not commonly reported in the literature as an oral manifestation. Most oral PBLs presented as an asymptomatic swelling, frequently associated with ulcerations and bleeding. No standard treatment is yet advocated for oral PBL. Five-year survival rate was recorded not more than 33.5%. This presentation emphasizes on oral manifestation of plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) as a rare entity, which was provisionally diagnosed for carcinoma (CA) oral cavity. A simple presentation of ulcerated growth in the upper jaw was excised for histopathologic evaluation. Subsequently, it turned out to be a rare oral manifestation of HIV-related lymphoma. It is imperative to understand simple oral presentation as a manifestation of an underlying systemic condition. With this interest, this case presentation is published with a literature review.

Spontaneous Regression of Plasmablastic Lymphoma in an Immunocompetent Patient: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare and highly aggressive type of lymphoma, which is commonly associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Spontaneous regression of aggressive lymphomas is rare as they typically require administration of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for treatment. Here, we describe a case of a spontaneous regression of PBL after nasal biopsy and computed tomography (CT) guided biopsy of paravertebral mass in an immunocompetent patient. We postulate that the patient's immune system may be activated as a result of the stress and physical trauma brought on by nasal and paravertebral mass biopsy. Our case highlights the rare phenomenon of spontaneous regression of lymphoma which needs to be further studied on to establish its underlying pathophysiology.

Recent advances upper gastrointestinal lymphomas: molecular updates and diagnostic implications

Approximately one-third of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, with the vast majority being diagnosed in the stomach, duodenum, or proximal small intestine. A few entities, especially diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, represent the majority of cases. In addition, there are diseases specific to or characteristic of the GI tract, and any type of systemic lymphoma can present in or disseminate to these organs. The recent advances in the genetic and molecular characterisation of lymphoid neoplasms have translated into notable changes in the classification of primary GI T-cell neoplasms and the recommended diagnostic approach to aggressive B-cell tumours. In many instances, diagnoses rely on morphology and immunophenotype, but there is an increasing need to incorporate molecular genetic markers. Moreover, it is also important to take into consideration the endoscopic and clinical presentations. This review gives an update on the most recent developments in the pathology and molecular pathology of upper GI lymphoproliferative diseases.

An HIV Associated Plasmablastic Lymphoma With Spontaneous Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare and aggressive B-cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) associated with immunocompromised states such as HIV. We present a case of PBL in an HIV patient presenting as spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome and discuss the clinical challenges hence encountered.

Clinical, pathological and molecular features of plasmablastic lymphoma arising in the gastrointestinal tract: A review and reappraisal

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a CD20-negative large B-cell lymphoma with a plasmacytic phenotype and a dismal prognosis, which has been defined as a distinct entity only in the 2008 WHO Classification of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissue and confirmed in the 2017 Edition. Current knowledge of the biological, clinical and prognostic features of PBL is mostly limited, resulting in diagnostic issues, as well as in lack of standard of care and effective therapeutic options. PBL commonly affects the oral cavity of HIV-positive individuals, however the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the most common extraoral site, and in this location most patients are HIV-negative. In this review, we focus on the clinical, morphological and prognostic features of PBL arising in the GI tract, in order to improve knowledge on this rare, but aggressive disease.

ALK-positive Large B-cell Lymphoma: A Clinicopathologic Study of 26 Cases With Review of Additional 108 Cases in the Literature

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive large B-cell lymphoma (ALK LBCL) is a rare, aggressive subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with characteristic ALK rearrangements. Diagnosis of ALK LBCL can be challenging because of its rarity, unique morphologic characteristics, and unusual immunophenotypic features, which significantly overlap with other hematologic and nonhematologic neoplasms. The purpose of this study is to further explore the clinicopathologic features of ALK LBCL to ensure the awareness and accurate diagnosis of this entity. We retrospectively reviewed the data from 26 cases in our institutions and additional 108 cases from the literature. ALK LBCL typically occurred in the lymph nodes of young and middle-aged, immunocompetent patients. The medium age was 35 years with a male to female ratio of 3.5:1. Vast majority of cases showed immunoblastic and/or plasmablastic morphology. All cases expressed ALK protein with a cytoplasmic granular pattern in most of them. Common B-cell markers (CD20, CD79a, and PAX5) were typically negative, but the tumor cells mostly expressed 2 B-cell transcriptional factors, BOB1 and OCT2. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 34%, and the median survival was 1.83 years. In patients with stage III/IV disease, the 5-year OS was only 8%. Moreover, patients below 35 years of age had a significantly better OS than those aged 35 years or above.

Treatment of plasmablastic lymphoma with multiple organ involvement

We herein report the case of a 50-year-old woman who presented with persistent fever and a large mass in her right breast. Haematology, liver function, and other blood test results were abnormal. Computed tomography and positron emission tomography indicated that the lesion had spread to multiple organs. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed that the patient had plasmablastic lymphoma, an invasive and rare form of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and an underlying infection by the Epstein-Barr virus. After three rounds of CHOPE chemotherapy, followed by hyperCVAD and ESHAP, the patient achieved rapid and complete remission. This case is unusual in that the patient presented with a large breast mass and her recovery was extremely rapid.

Recent advances in intestinal lymphomas

A large variety of lymphoma types may develop as primary intestinal neoplasms in the small intestines or, less often, in the colorectum. Among these are a few entities such as enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma or immunoproliferative small intestinal disease that, essentially, do not arise elsewhere than in the gastrointestinal tract. In most instances the primary intestinal lymphomas belong to entities that also occur in lymph nodes or other mucosal sites, and may show some peculiar features. In the case of follicular lymphoma, important differences exist between the classical nodal cases and the intestinal cases, considered as a variant of the disease. It is likely that the local intestinal mucosal microenvironment is a determinant in influencing the pathobiological features of the disease. In this review we will present an update on the clinical, pathological and molecular features of the lymphoid neoplasms that most commonly involve the intestines, incorporating recent developments with respect to their pathobiology and classification. We will emphasize and discuss the major differential diagnostic problems encountered in practice, including the benign reactive or atypical lymphoid hyperplasias, indolent lymphoproliferative disorders of T or natural killer (NK) cells, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related lymphoproliferations.

Rare presentation of orbital plasmablastic lymphoma with oral cavity involvement in an HIV-negative patient

Plasmablastic lymphoma is described as a subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma under the category of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. It is classified by WHO as HIV-associated lymphoma of the oral cavity. Several cases have been reported in non-HIV patients with extra-oral involvement. The characteristic immunohistochemical markers are generally positive for CD138, CD38 and MUM1/IRF4, and negative or weakly positive for pan B-cell markersCD20, CD79a, PAX-5 and BCL-6. We report a rare case of orbital plasmablastic lymphoma with oral and oropharyngeal involvement where the immunohistochemical markers were positive for CD138, CD43, CD45, CD79a and MUM1. A small subset of markers was weakly positive for CD20, CD30 and κ, and negative for CD10, BCL-6, CD4, CD56 and Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA (EBER). Our case reinforces the fact that plasmablastic lymphoma is a different entity of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that cannot simply be classified under diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. It demands modification of the WHO classification.

Rare gastrointestinal lymphomas: The endoscopic investigation

Gastrointestinal lymphomas represent up to 10% of gastrointestinal malignancies and about one third of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The most prominent histologies are mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. However, the gastrointestinal tract can be the site of rarer lymphoma subtypes as a primary or secondary localization. Due to their rarity and the multifaceted histology, an endoscopic classification has not been validated yet. This review aims to analyze the endoscopic presentation of rare gastrointestinal lymphomas from disease diagnosis to follow-up, according to the involved site and lymphoma subtype. Existing, new and emerging endoscopic technologies have been examined. In particular, we investigated the diagnostic, prognostic and follow-up endoscopic features of T-cell and natural killer lymphomas, lymphomatous polyposis and mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, plasma cell related disease, gastrointestinal lymphomas in immunodeficiency and Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract. Contrarily to more frequent gastrointestinal lymphomas, data about rare lymphomas are mostly extracted from case series and case reports. Due to the data paucity, a synergism between gastroenterologists and hematologists is required in order to better manage the disease. Indeed, clinical and prognostic features are different from nodal and extranodal or the bone marrow (in case of plasma cell disease) counterpart. Therefore, the approach should be based on the knowledge of the peculiar behavior and natural history of disease.

Plasmablastic Lymphoma of Small Intestine: A Rare Case Report with Review of Literature

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare aggressive neoplasm characterized by diffuse proliferation of large neoplastic cells with plasma cell immunophenotype. Cell of origin of PBL is believed to be a postgerminal center B-lymphocyte or plasmablast. The malignant cells in PBL usually do not express CD20 (B cell marker) but do express markers of plasmacytic differentiation, such as CD38, CD138, or MUM1/IRF4, akin to plasma cell myeloma (PCM). PBL though originally described in the oral cavity, has now been found to occur in extraoral locations as well. Small intestine as a site of PBL has been described very rarely. PBL remains a diagnostic challenge given its overlapping morphologic and immunophenotypic features with other high grade lymphomas and PCM. We report a rare case of PBL of small intestine in a 48 years old HIV infected male patient. To the best of our knowledge this represents sixth case in the literature described in this location. An unusual rare pattern of CD138 positivity by IHC is also reported along with extensive review of literature of PBL in extraoral locations.

Plasmoblastic lymphoma as cause of perianal fistula: a case report and literature review

We report the case of a 33-year-old HIV-infected man who presented with a recurrent, nonhealing perianal fistula. After multiple benign biopsies, the diagnosis of plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) eventually was made. The patient underwent chemotherapy and radiation with a complete response. Perianal fistulas are frequent in HIV-positive patients, but PBL as a cause is extremely rare. This often delays the diagnosis and treatment of this highly aggressive disease. We review the literature and discuss the pitfalls in the diagnosis and management of the disease.

Unusual presentation of duodenal plasmablastic lymphoma in an immunocompetent patient: A case report and literature review

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare and recently described entity of large B-cell lymphoma. It predominantly occurs in the oral cavity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients and exhibits a highly aggressive clinical behavior without effective treatment. Recently, sporadic cases describing PBL in extraoral locations of HIV-negative patients have been reported; frequently in patients with underlying immunosuppressive states. To develop the understanding of PBL, the current study reports the unusual presentation of duodenal PBL and reviews the pathogenesis, immunohistochemical features, clinical and differential diagnoses, as well as the treatment of PBL as described in previous studies. The case of a 75-year-old female with duodenal PBL without definite immunosuppression is presented in the current report. The tumor was composed of large B-cell-like cells, and was positive for cluster of differentiation 138 and melanoma ubiquitous mutated-1, with ~80% of the tumor cells positive for Ki-67. The features of the tumor were as follows: Extraoral location, HIV-negative, immunoglobulin M λ-type M protein expression, light chain restriction (monoclonal) and Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA-negative, which are considered to be unusual for PBL. These unusual features complicate the differentiation of PBL from other plasma cell diseases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report a case of duodenal PBL in an immunocompetent patient. To date, the standard treatment of PBL remains elusive, however, the most commonly administered chemotherapy treatments are CHOP [intravenous cyclophosphamide (750 mg/m², day 1), intravenous doxorubicin (50 mg/m², day 1), intravenous vincristine (1.4 mg/m², day 1) and prednisone (100 mg, days 1–50)]-like regimens. The patient was administered two cycles of CHOP chemotherapy for 56 days, however, ultimately succumbed as a result of disease progression. Therefore, PBL represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. PBL must be considered in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors in daily practice, even in immunocompetent patients. Furthermore, CHOP does not appear to be an optimal treatment regimen and more intensive regimens are required.

A case of oral plasmablastic lymphoma and review of current trends in oral manifestations associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare and aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that in 2000 was classified as a distinct type of lymphoma related to acquired immune deficiency syndrome by the World Health Organization after the first reports of the disease surfaced in 1997. PBL is strongly associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and often occurs within the oral cavity. Despite intensive chemotherapy regimens and combinational antiretroviral therapy, the prognosis of PBL in HIV-infected patients remains poor. This article describes a case of oral PBL and a literature review of current trends in oral manifestations associated with HIV infection.

Extraoral plasmablastic lymphoma detected using ascitic fluid cytology and flow cytometry: a case report with a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PL) is a relatively new category of lymphoma, which has been considered to be found predominantly in the oral cavity and has a strong association with HIV.

CASE

We report a case of extraoral/mesenteric PL detected using cytological examination of ascitic fluid assisted by flow cytometric (FC) analysis. The cells were positive for CD38, CD138, CD10, CD45 and CD56 and negative for CD3, CD19, CD20 and CD79a, with cytoplasmic lambda light-chain restriction. We also reviewed 67 cases of extraoral PL from the available literature and found them to be less often associated with HIV (than oral PL), occurring mostly in males aged 30-60 years, with the most common extraoral site being the anorectal region.

CONCLUSION

A high index of suspicion at the level of the cytopathologist is imperative for identifying lymphoma cells in a body fluid. A rare entity like PL can also be diagnosed on cytology assisted by ancillary techniques (like FC), without the need for a biopsy. We also suggest that the minimum panel to diagnose PLs should include CD138, MUM-1, Ki-67, ALK-1, CD3, immunoglobulin light-chains, CD20 and PAX5.

A case of plasmablastic lymphoma diagnosed on liquid-based pap test

Primary gynecological lymphomas are rare and difficult to diagnose with Pap test. Herein, we report an uncommon case of plasmablastic lymphoma in a 61-year-old female with human immunodeficiency virus that presents with vaginal bleeding. The following case report shows the cytological features on liquid-based Pap test, cell block studies with diagnostic immunohistochemistry, discussion of the diagnostic difficulties, and a literature review.

A case of plasmablastic lymphoma of the liver without human immunodeficiency virus infection

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a very rare B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder was with an aggressive clinical behavior that recently characterized by the World Health Organization. Although PBL is most commonly observed in the oral cavity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients, it can also be observed at extra-oral sites in HIV-negative patients. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may be closely related the pathogenesis of PBL. PBL shows different clinicopathological characteristics between HIV-positive and -negative patients. Here, we report a case of PBL of the liver in a 79-year-old HIV-negative male. The patient died approximately 1.5 mo after examination and autopsy showed that the main lesion was a very large liver mass. Histopathological examination of the excised lesion showed large-cell lymphoma with plasmacytic differentiation diffusely infiltrating the liver and involving the surrounding organs. The neoplastic cells were diffusely positive for CD30, EBV, Bob-1, and CD38. The autopsy findings suggested a diagnosis of PBL. To our knowledge, the present case appears to be the first report of PBL with initial presentation of the liver in a patient without HIV infection.

Plasmablastic lymphoma of the oral cavity in a human immunodeficiency virus-negative patient: a case report with literature review

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma variant that is most frequently observed in the oral cavity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. However, in recent years, some cases have emerged in patients without HIV infection and involve other sites like stomach, lung, nasal cavity, and jejunum. We report a rare case of PBL in the maxillary anterior area of a 62-year-old man without HIV infection. The tumor cells were characterized by non-cohesive round or oval shape cells with eccentrically-placed nuclei with a prominent perinuclear halo. Immunohistochemical studies showed that the tumor cells were strongly positive for MUM1, VS38c, VMT, and κ light chain, focally positive for LCA and CD79a, and negative for CD3, CD20, CD56, λ light chain, CK-pan, EMA, and HMB45. The patient was treated with chemotherapy using cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone. The lesion showed partial remission.

Orbital plasmablastic lymphoma: a clinico-pathological correlation of a rare disease and review of literature

Ocular involvement by plasmablastic lymphoma is extremely rare with very few reports in the literature. Its morphological and immunological resemblance to plasma cell myeloma makes it a diagnostic challenge, while its clinical course, which is characterized by recurrence and death, makes therapy a challenge for clinicians. We present three cases of plasmablastic lymphoma, each of which has distinct clinicoradiological features, and we also review the literature on orbital plasmablastic lymphomas.

Plasmablastic lymphoma of the small intestine: Case report and literature review

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare aggressive B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder, which has been characterized by the World Health Organization as a new entity. Although PBL is most commonly seen in the oral cavity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients, it can also be seen in extra-oral sites in immunocompromised patients who are HIV-negative. Here we present a rare case of PBL of the small intestine in a 55-year-old HIV-negative male. Histopathological examination of the excisional lesion showed a large cell lymphoma with plasmacytic differentiation diffusely infiltrating the small intestine and involving the surrounding organs. The neoplastic cells were diffusely positive for CD79a, CD138 and CD10 and partly positive for CD38 and epithelial membrane antigen. Approximately 80% of the tumor cells were positive for Ki-67. A monoclonal rearrangement of the kappa light chain gene was demonstrated. The patient died approximately 1.5 mo after diagnosis in spite of receiving two courses of the CHOP chemotherapy regimen. In a review of the literature, this is the first case report of PBL with initial presentation in the small intestine without HIV and Epstein-Barr virus infection, and a history of hepatitis B virus infection and radiotherapy probably led to the iatrogenic immunocompromised state.

A case report of cecal plasmablastic lymphoma in a HIV-negative patient

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a unique type of diffuse proliferation of large neoplastic lymphoid cells most of which resemble B immunoblasts, but all tumor cells show the immunophenotype of plasma cells. It has a strong predilection for jaw and oral cavity in HIV-positive patients. Incidences of extraoral location of this tumor is increasingly being recognized especially in HIV-negative patients for example, stomach, jejunum, omentum, anorectum, lungs, testes, soft tissues, lymph nodes, bone marrow, skin, and central nervous system. We present a case of PBL found in cecum in an HIV-negative patient. It was accompanied by lung and lymph node involvement and presented as abdominal mass. This is only the second reported case of PBL originating in cecum.

Plasmablastic lymphoma of the oral cavity, a B cell-derived lymphoma associated with HIV infection: a case series

OBJECTIVES

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) of the oral cavity is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is most frequently met in human immunodeficiency (HIV) positive patients. Only a few cases have been reported worldwide since 1997. This clinical entity may escape detection due to its unusual immunophenotype and rare occurrence. Our aim is to present two cases with this rare condition that were diagnosed and treated in our department.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We describe two cases of PBLs in HIV-infected patients, who presented with an expanding painless oral lesion and summarize the literature in order to elucidate the nature of this malignancy.

RESULTS

The first patient received chemotherapy with additional radiotherapy that led to complete remission of the disease, while the second experienced a relapse 6 months after treatment with chemotherapy, that caused his death after refusal of further treatment.

CONCLUSION

Because of the consistent epidemiological association of PBL with immunosuppression, any patient diagnosed with PBL should be tested for HIV. The clinical picture of PBL, including its affinity with HIV-infection, male sex, and its predilection for the oral cavity, may contribute to the differential diagnosis. Any oral mass occurring in an immunosuppressed patient should be referred for biopsy, since the early diagnosis of these tumors leads to better prognosis of the patients.

Plasmablastic lymphoma of the cecum: report of a case with cytologic findings

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare lymphoma that is characterized by a diffuse proliferation of large neoplastic cells resembling B immunoblasts, but shows the immunophenotype of plasma cells. PBL is most commonly seen in the oral cavity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may be closely related the pathogenesis of PBL. We report a case of HIV-negative PBL in a 75-year-old man without EBV infection. Histologic examination of the cecal tumor following right hemicolectomy and cytologic examination of ascitic fluid were performed. Cytologic specimens were hypercellular and composed of single cells and loosely formed clusters. Large tumor cells showed plasmacytoid features with basophilic cytoplasm, large nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and focal perinuclear halos. Abnormal mitotic figures were easily identified. On immunohistologic study, the tumor cells were positive for CD138 (plasma cell marker) and kappa, but negative for CD45, CD3, CD20, CD79a, CD56, and cyclin D1. The proliferation index (Ki-67) was high. This is a very rare case of PBL without HIV and EBV infection, involving the cecum.

Orbital plasmablastic lymphoma with remission following chemotherapy

We report the case of a middle-aged HIV-positive man who presented with proptosis and retro-ocular pain. On CT and MR imaging, a retro-orbital enhancing mass was seen, and PET/CT revealed this lesion as well as a similarly characterized mass in the nasopharynx to be hypermetabolic. Biopsy and subsequent pathological characterization revealed this mass to be plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL), a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with HIV-infection. PBL is a diffuse B-cell lymphoma with characteristic cell marker patterns. The most common site of this malignancy is within the oral cavity. This case constitutes an unusual orbital manifestation of plasmablastic lymphoma as well as an unusual case in its response to chemotherapy. This case illustrates the importance of functional imaging with PET/CT in the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of plasmablastic lymphoma.

Extraoral plasmablastic lymphoma with intravascular component and MYC translocation

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an uncommon, clinically aggressive, Epstein-Barr virus-driven B-cell lymphoma that was initially described in tumors of relatively young human immunodeficiency virus-positive men. Subsequent to initial reports, the clinical and pathological spectrum of this disease has been expanded such that, now, PBL is recognized to be a heterogeneous disease entity. Plasmablastic lymphoma has been seen in clinical settings outside those initially reported and has been shown to demonstrate a variety of morphologic patterns. We describe a case of extraoral PBL in an human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient with a computed tomography-identified heterogeneously enhancing mass in the stomach. Histologically, a prominent intravascular component was identified. Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis for MYC/IGH (immunoglobulin heavy chain) rearrangement t(8;14) identified fusion signals, confirming the presence of MYC rearrangement. The presence of a prominent intravascular in our case is unique. To our knowledge, these findings have not been observed in the previous reports of PBL. The observation of this vascular component supports the heterogeneity of PBL and may be an indicator of tumor aggressiveness. We were able to demonstrate the MYC/IGH rearrangement in our case of PBL. The interplay between Epstein-Barr virus and this MYC rearrangement may be similar to what is observed in Burkitt lymphoma, another clinically aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Plasmablastic lymphoma with MYC translocation: evidence for a common pathway in the generation of plasmablastic features

Plasmablastic lymphoma, which is considered a subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, shares many similar morphological and immunophenotypic features with plasmablastic transformation of plasma cell myeloma. In the setting of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, both types of neoplasms can be associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), thus making their distinction challenging. Moreover, the biological relationship between these entities remains unclear. We report four unique cases of plasmablastic lymphoma occurring in the setting of HIV infection that had overlapping clinical and genetic features with plasma cell myeloma. We reviewed the clinical, morphological, and cytogenetic findings and performed immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization for EBV, chromosome analysis, and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using the MYC break-apart rearrangement probe. All patients were males with a median age of 45 years. In addition to extra-nodal disease, plasmablastic morphology, and phenotype typical of plasmablastic lymphoma, three of the four cases also showed clinical findings overlapping with plasma cell myeloma, that is, monoclonal serum immunoglobulin and lytic bone lesions. Furthermore, these cases showed complex cytogenetic changes that are more commonly observed in plasma cell myeloma. A unique feature was the presence of MYC (8q24.1) rearrangement confirmed by FISH in all four cases. MYC translocation has been associated with tumor progression in multiple myeloma but has only rarely been previously reported in plasmablastic lymphoma. These cases show a clinical and biological relationship between plasmablastic lymphoma and the plasmablastic variant of plasma cell myeloma. Dysregulation of MYC may be a common genetic mechanism that imparts plasmablastic morphology and aggressive clinical course to B-cell neoplasms at a later stage of differentiation.

Plasmablastic lymphoma of the retroperitoneum in an HIV-negative patient

Herein is reported a case of plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) of the retroperitoneum in an HIV-negative patient. This is the first reported case of PBL at this location and of PBL from Japan in the English-language literature. A 76-year-old Japanese man was admitted to hospital with a chief complaint of right inguinal lymph node swelling. Lymph node biopsy indicated large tumor cells with both diffuse and cohesive growth patterns, and conspicuous tumor cell proliferation in lymph node sinuses. The initial pathological diagnosis was metastatic carcinoma. The patient died approximately 1 month after admission, and autopsy showed that the main lesion was a very large retroperitoneal mass. On histology diffusely proliferated plasmablast-like or immunoblast-like tumor cells were identified, which were positive on immunohistochemistry for CD138 and negative for B-cell and epithelial markers. Approximately 90% of the tumor cells were positive for Ki-67. Tumor cells were diffusely positive for EBV-encoded small RNA on in situ hybridization. The autopsy findings suggested a diagnosis of PBL. Accordingly, PBL should be considered as a differential diagnosis when lymph node biopsy findings resemble those of the present patient.

EBV and HIV-Related Lymphoma

HIV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders represent a heterogeneous group of diseases, arising in the presence of HIV-associated immunodeficiency. The overall prevalence of HIV-associated lymphoma is significantly higher compared to that of the general population and it continues to be relevant even after the wide availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) (1). Moreover, they still represent one of the most frequent cause of death in HIV-infected patients. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a γ-Herpesviruses, is involved in human lymphomagenesis, particularly in HIV immunocompromised patients. It has been largely implicated in the development of B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders as Burkitt lymphoma (BL), Hodgkin disease (HD), systemic non Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NC). Virus-associated lymphomas are becoming of significant concern for the mortality of long-lived HIV immunocompromised patients, and therefore, research of advanced strategies for AIDS-related lymphomas is an important field in cancer chemotherapy. Detailed understanding of the EBV lifecycle and related cancers at the molecular level is required for novel strategies of molecular-targeted cancer chemotherapy The linkage of HIV-related lymphoma with EBV infection of the tumor clone has several pathogenetic, prognostic and possibly therapeutic implications which are reviewed herein.

Cutaneous presentation of plasmablastic post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in a 14-month-old

We present a 14-month-old female child who developed multiple erythematous nodules on her abdomen 5 months after liver and small bowel transplantation. Skin biopsy revealed a dense infiltrate of large cells in the dermal and subcutaneous layers with frequent mitotic figures. The cells were noted to have abundant cytoplasm, prominent nucleoli, and open chromatin. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for CD138, CD56, Ki67 (>90%), and lambda chain restriction. Rare mature B cells (CD20) and rare T cells (CD3) were noted. She was diagnosed with high-grade post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder most consistent with plasmablastic lymphoma.

Human immunodeficiency virus-negative plasmablastic lymphoma in Korea

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is very rare, and predominantly occurs in Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. It shows a strong affinity for the oral cavity and for the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive. We investigated the clinicopathologic characteristics of six cases of PBL in Koreans. All patients were HIV-negative and without underlying immunodeficiency. The age distribution was bimodal, and four patients were older than 60 years. Male predominance was observed with male to female ratio of 5:1. The organs primarily involved were the terminal ileum, stomach, oral cavity, tonsil, nasal cavity and meninges. The tumors were histologically typical of PBL. Three of them were composed of monomorphic large immunoblastic or plasmablastic cells, and classified as PBL of the oral mucosa type. Another three cases were classified as PBL with plasmacytic differentiation. Five cases revealed loss of B-cell antigens with CD138 or MUM1 substitution. CD10 was positive in two cases (PBLs of the oral mucosa type), and one of them unexpectedly expressed cytokeratin. EBV was detected in one case (PBL with plasmacytic differentiation). Four patients succumbed to PBL in a relatively short period of time. We suggest that PBL is not strongly associated HIV or EBV in Koreans, and that it shows a variable organ distribution without an oro-nasal predilection.

Multifocal cutaneous and systemic plasmablastic lymphoma in an infant with combined living donor small bowel and liver transplant

Small bowel allograft recipients have a relatively high risk (approximately 20%) of developing PTLD. Onset of PTLD is usually soon after transplant (median of eight months). Children are at a higher risk than adults. Although PBL was originally described in 1997 by Delecluse et al. as a human immunodeficiency virus-associated neoplasm typically presenting in the oral cavity, it is now recognized as a PTLD. We describe an unusual and interesting case and to our knowledge the first case of an infant who developed diffuse multifocal cutaneous and systemic PBL shortly after small bowel and liver transplant. We report a case of a 14-month-old female child who received a small bowel and liver transplant from her father. She had excellent graft function with no rejection episodes. Five months post-transplant she developed a sudden gastrointestinal bleed and was noted to have a constantly rising EBV titer despite ongoing maximal antiviral therapy. A patchy erythematous rash was noted on her abdomen that was diagnosed as PBL-PTLD. By the time of this diagnosis, she had developed multiorgan failure unresponsive to therapy.

Plasmablastic lymphoma: a review

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) has been recently characterised as an aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, most frequently arising in the oral cavity of HIV-infected patients. To date, approximately 60 cases fulfilling the clinico-pathological characteristics of PBL have been reported. PBLs are composed of large cells with eccentrically located nuclei and deeply basophilic cytoplasm with a paranuclear hof. The tumour cells are invariably immunoreactive for the plasma cell marker CD138, and show monoclonal rearrangement of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IgH) and/or clonal restriction of the Ig light chain (IgL) gene expression in most of the cases. Similar to other types of AIDS-related lymphomas, there is evidence that Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi-sarcoma associated Human Herpes Virus 8 may play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of PBL. PBL patients have been treated heterogeneously, with a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or surgery, and their prognosis is usually poor, with a death rate of approximately 60% at 1 year.

HIV-associated plasmablastic lymphoma: lessons learned from 112 published cases

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a distinct subtype of non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma, originally described with a strong predilection to the oral cavity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. Data regarding patient age and gender, HIV status, initiation of and response to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), tumor extent, pathology, treatment, and outcome were extracted from 112 cases of PBL identified in the literature. The median age at presentation was 38 years with a male predominance of 7:1, and the median CD4+ count was 178 cells/mm(3). PBL presented on average 5 years after diagnosis of HIV. Common primary sites of presentation included the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and lymph nodes. Most cases presented with either stage I or stage IV disease. There was a variable expression of B-cell markers in tumor cells, but plasma cell markers were expressed in all cases. EBV was detected in 74%. Chemotherapy was used to treat 55% patients and was combined with radiotherapy in 21% cases. Complete response was obtained in 66% of treated cases; the majority of these responses were seen after CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone). The refractory/relapsed disease rate was 54%. Death occurred in 53% of patients, with a median overall survival of 15 months. Sex, CD4+ count, viral load, clinical stage, EBV status, primary site of involvement, and use of CHOP failed to show an association with survival. PBL is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma that presents in both oral and extra-oral sites of chronically HIV-infected immunosuppressed young men.

AIDS-associated plasmablastic lymphoma presenting as a poorly differentiated esophageal tumor: A diagnostic dilemma

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare form of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma characterized by weak/absent expression of conventional B-cell markers and strong expression of plasma cell markers. It is strongly associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Epstein Barr virus infection, and shows an unusual tropism to the oral cavity. Herein we describe a patient with AIDS who presented with weight loss and dysphagia owing to a large gastroesophageal mass. His radiographic and endoscopic findings and long history of cigarette consumption suggested carcinoma. Biopsy demonstrated a poorly differentiated tumor stained negatively to routine lymphoid markers including CD20. However, gene rearrangement studies confirmed a B-cell process and a more detailed immunohistochemical analysis revealed the cells stained positively for CD138 (plasma cell antigen). These findings were diagnostic of PBL. Our report reviews the wide differential diagnosis of PBL and underscores the importance of a broad array of viral and molecular studies needed to establish this diagnosis.

[Anal and anal margin tumors]

Tumors of the anal canal and anal margin are rare. They may raise specific problems for the pathologist. Benign tumors mainly consist of condylomas, cloacogenic polyps and fibro-epithelial polyps. Cancers are infrequent and consisted of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, or poorly differentiated basaloid squamous cell carcinoma. The other malignant tumors are very rare.

Plasmablastic lymphoma in a previously undiagnosed AIDS patient: a case report

BACKGROUND

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an unusual non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) most commonly found in the head and neck region. The majority of cases are seen in adult HIV-positive patients, although PBL has been reported in HIV-negative patients. The diagnosis of PBL serves as an AIDS-defining illness.

METHODS

We report a case of PBL localized to the oral cavity in a previously undiagnosed AIDS patient. The lesion manifested as solitary, ulcerated, and markedly tender. PBL was confirmed by immunohistochemical profile and subsequent tests confirmed AIDS diagnosis. The patient was prescribed highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and concomitant local low dose radiation therapy prior to initiation of chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Complete local clinical response was observed after 4 weeks of treatment with HAART and radiation therapy. The response sustained in this patient in the subsequent 11 months following diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of PBL has a unique immunophenotypic profile and should raise suspicion for AIDS in these patients. HAART added to treatment has shown improved survival.

Plasmablastic lymphoma affecting the lung and bone marrow with CD10 expression and t(8;14)(q24;q32) translocation

Plasmablastic lymphoma is a rare variant of a diffuse, large B-cell lymphoma, which typically presents in the oral cavity in immunocompromised patients. In HIV positive patients, this tumor has a tendency to manifest in extramedullary sites. In this report, we document a rare instance in which this neoplasm besides affecting the bone marrow also involved the lung. In addition, the lymphoma in our case disclosed CD10 positivity on immunohistochemistry and t(8;14)(q24;q34) translocation on cytogenetic analysis, mimicking a Burkitt/atypical Burkitt lymphoma. The problems in diagnosis are discussed.