Epstein-Barr Virus-Infected Malignant T/NK-Cell Lymphoma in a Patient with Hypersensitivity to Mosquito Bites

Hypersensitivity to mosquito bites as the primary clinical manifestation of an Epstein-Barr virus infection

Hypersensitivity to mosquito bites (HMB) is a rare disease characterized by intense local skin reactions with general symptoms, such as high fever and regional lymphadenopathy after mosquito bites. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) chronic infection and NK cell lymphoproliferative disease have been reported first in diagnosed HMB patients. Here, we present the case of a 6-year-old girl with 2 months' history of bullae and necrotic skin lesions, accompanied by a high temperature, visual hallucinations, and liver dysfunction after mosquito bites. A histopathologic examination of the skin lesion showed vasculitis and EBV infection. We could not detect any findings of hematologic malignancies or NK cell proliferative disease in the patient. Clinicians should closely evaluate HMB patients for possible development of lymphoproliferative status or hematologic malignant disorders.

Hydroa vacciniforme-like Epstein-Barr virus-associated monoclonal T-lymphoproliferative disorder in a child

Hydroa vacciniforme (HV) is a chronic photosensitivity disorder induced by ultraviolet radiation. Hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoma is a rare cutaneous T-cell lymphoma occurring mainly in childhood. Recent studies have demonstrated an association between chronic latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and both the benign skin disorder and the lymphoma. The authors report a 6-year-old boy with chronic EBV infection, HV-like skin eruptions, and chronic hepatitis. Histopathologic examination of a skin biopsy specimen demonstrated epidermal ballooning degeneration and dense superficial and deep perivascular and periappendageal lymphoid cell infiltrates extending to the fat lobules. Some blood vessels in the deep plexus were infiltrated by predominantly CD4+ and TIA-1+ cytotoxic T cells. The EBV genomes were found within tissue from three skin biopsies and peripheral blood cells. Monoclonal T-cell receptor gene rearrangement was present in skin biopsy specimens. Although no lymphoma has been found during 2 years of follow-up treatment, the possibility of lymphoma developing out of the current smoldering stage is of concern. The clinical manifestations of lymphoproliferative disorder and chronic active EBV infection are discussed.