Intraocular and central nervous system lymphoma in a cardiac transplant recipient.
BACKGROUND
Although B-cell lymphomas are the most frequent cancers that evolve in transplant patients, histopathologic verification of intraocular lymphoma as a result of cyclosporine immunosuppression has not been previously recognized.


METHODS
A complete autopsy was performed on a 67-year-old woman who died 33 months after orthotopic heart transplantation.


RESULTS
Large cell lymphoma extensively involved the anterior segment of the left eye, as well as the vitreous, retina, subretinal pigment epithelial zone, and optic nerve. Tumor also was found in the ipsilateral orbitofrontal cortex and hypothalamic areas. No systemic lymphoma was present.


CONCLUSIONS
Ocular and central nervous system lymphoma developed in a heart transplant patient. In addition to opportunistic infections, ophthalmologists should be aware that opportunistic lymphoproliferative disorders involving the eye and brain can occur in these immunosuppressed individuals. Epstein-Barr virus infection has been implicated as playing a major role.
Johnson
B L
BL
Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA.
D000368:Aged; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000473:pathology*
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents