Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder mimicking a nonspecific lymphocytic pleural effusion in a bone marrow transplant recipient. A case report.
BACKGROUND
Serous effusions are rare complications of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and result mainly from infections or tumor relapse.


METHODS
We report a case of posttransplantation lympho-proliferative disorder (PTLD) revealed by cytodiagnostic examination of serous effusions in a BMT recipient. The effusion was initially considered reactive, but morphologic, immunocytologic and molecular studies subsequently revealed PTLD.


CONCLUSIONS
This case demonstrates the importance of cytologic examination of effusions in BMT or organ recipients. Since most PTLDs are Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders and T cells predominate in reactive effusions, appropriate initial immunostaining, including CD3, CD79a and EBV latent membrane protein, should aid in their early detection.
Lechapt-Zalcman
E
E
Department of Pathology, Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil, France.
Rieux
C
C
Cordonnier
C
C
Desvaux
D
D
D000208:Acute Disease; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D017252:CD3 Complex / Q000032:analysis; D051925:CD79 Antigens; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D007951:Leukemia, Myeloid / Q000628:therapy; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000032:analysis; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins / Q000032:analysis
D015703:Antigens, CD; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D017252:CD3 Complex; D051925:CD79 Antigens; C497881:CD79A protein, human; C037662:EBV-associated membrane antigen, Epstein-Barr virus; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins