Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma with supervening Epstein-Barr virus-associated large B-cell lymphoma

• Published in: Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine (1976) Vol. 130; no. 11; pp. 1707 - 1711
• Main Authors: Hawley, Robert C, Cankovic, Milena, Zarbo, Richard J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States College of American Pathologists 01.11.2006
• Subjects: Aged; Epstein-Barr virus; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections - complications; Fatal Outcome; Female; Herpesvirus 4, Human - genetics; Humans; Immunoblastic Lymphadenopathy - complications; Immunoblastic Lymphadenopathy - pathology; Lymphoma, B-Cell - chemistry; Lymphoma, B-Cell - complications; Lymphoma, B-Cell - pathology; Lymphoma, B-Cell - virology; RNA, Viral - analysis; Viral Matrix Proteins - analysis
• ISSN: 0003-9985; 1543-2165
• DOI: 10.5858/2006-130-1707-ATLWSE

Patients with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma can have profound immune dysfunction and immunodeficiency. Epstein-Barr virus-driven B-cell lymphoid proliferation can occur in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, as in other immunodeficiency states. However, few cases of Epstein-Barr virus-positive B-cell lymphoma arising in patients with preexisting angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma have been reported. We report a case of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in which diffuse large B-cell lymphoma developed 56 months after the diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. The patient survived for 9 years after the initial diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, and molecular studies performed on multiple biopsy specimens during this period revealed the dynamic nature of clonal lymphoid expansion. Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 and Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA were detected in the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, suggesting that Epstein-Barr virus may have played a role in the pathogenesis of the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.