Primary hepatic methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorder associated with Epstein-Barr virus reactivation and accompanied by spontaneous necrosis: A case report

A case of methotrexate-related lymphoproliferative disease showing multiple liver lesions in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

A 66-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had been receiving methotrexate (MTX) for 2 years presented with tarry stools. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed irregular wall thickening in the ileocecal region and multiple low-contrast masses in both lobes of the liver. Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a type 2 tumor in the ileocecal region with a semi-peripheral ulcer. Histological examination of liver and colon biopsies showed other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (Oi-LPD), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma type, with positivity for Epstein-Barr virus DNA. After withdrawal of MTX, the LPD lesions disappeared and the patient achieved remission. We considered this to be a sporadic case of Oi-LPD, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma type, in the liver and colon due to treatment with MTX. There has been no previous report of this condition with simultaneous hepatic and colonic lesions, and the present case is thought to be highly informative in relation to the pathogenesis.

Hepatic and lung methotrexate-associated polymorphic lymphoproliferative disorders arising during postoperative follow-up of renal cell carcinoma: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Methotrexate induces lymphoproliferative disorders on rare occasions; however, its pathogenesis remains unknown. A clinical diagnosis based on imaging studies alone is often difficult.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 57-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our department for the evaluation of multiple lung and hepatic nodules that developed during methotrexate treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Since she had a history of nephrectomy for localized renal cell carcinoma, multiple lung and hepatic metastases were initially considered. However, pathological diagnosis of the lung nodules (needle biopsy) revealed methotrexate-associated polymorphic-type lymphoproliferative disorders. After methotrexate discontinuation, continuous smooth shrinkage of the lung and liver lymphoproliferative disorders was observed.

CONCLUSION

Methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorders should be considered in the event of newly appearing neoplastic lesions, even during follow-up for renal cell carcinoma, if methotrexate is being administered.

Pathological Vertebral Fracture Arising From Methotrexate-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder in a Patient With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The incidence of lymphoproliferative disorders associated with methotrexate is rising in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These disorders typically exhibit spontaneous tumor regression upon discontinuation of methotrexate therapy. Spinal lesions associated with these diseases are extremely rare. We present a case of systemic lupus erythematosus in which the patient developed lumbar spine lymphoproliferative disorders secondary to methotrexate therapy, which failed to regress despite discontinuation of the drug, ultimately leading to pathological fracture necessitating posterior spinal fixation. A 60-year-old woman had been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus at the age of 55 years and had been taking prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine, and methotrexate. Throughout the course of her treatment, she experienced recurrent tumefaction and lymph node swelling in various locations. These masses and lymphadenopathy were believed to be potential complications of methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorders, leading to the discontinuation of methotrexate. One month prior to cessation of methotrexate therapy, the patient presented to an orthopedic clinic with lower back pain, and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed low signal intensity in the Th10 and L2 vertebrae, initially misdiagnosed as lumbar spinal stenosis. The patient was eventually referred to our department under suspicion of malignant pathology. Computed tomography identified a vertical fracture of the L2 vertebra, which, in conjunction with the imaging results, led to the diagnosis of pathological fracture secondary to methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorder. Following admission to our department, bone biopsy and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation were performed one week later. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorder. Given the possibility of pathological fracture in patients on methotrexate therapy experiencing severe back pain, additional imaging studies should be considered.