[Malignant non-Hodgkins B lymphoma related to Epstein-Barr virus and chronic natural killer lymphocytosis in a immunocompromised patient].
BACKGROUND
Immunocompromised patients are at high risk of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related lymphoproliferative disorders. The lymphoproliferation affects B, T, and natural killer (NK) cells.


METHODS
We report the case of a woman suffering from systemic lupus erythematous. She developed an opportunistic pneumonia while immunodepressed during long-term corticotherapy aimed at curing her auto-immune disease. Chronic lymphocytosis was also diagnosed at this time. Several months later, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was diagnosed. Genomic amplification of the Epstein-Barr virus in the patient's blood and positive EBV latent membrane protein 1 on the lymph nodes provided evidence for a strong correlation between EBV reactivation and lymphoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Two distinct lymphoid diseases occurred during the immunosuppressive therapy for the auto-immune disease. PCR monitoring of Epstein-Barr virus allows for early screening of lymphoproliferative disorders in immunocompromised patients, leading to earlier and more efficient treatment.
Seinturier
C
C
Clinique des maladies infectieuses, CHU, Grenoble, France.
Péoch
M
M
Morand
P
P
Jacob
M C
MC
Gressin
R
R
Brion
J P
JP
D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001706:Biopsy; D002908:Chronic Disease; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D008218:Lymphocytosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000821:virology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013256:Steroids
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D013256:Steroids