Chorioretinal post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder induced by the Epstein-Barr virus.
BACKGROUND
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is responsible for the lymphoproliferative disorders observed in transplanted patients.


METHODS
The case history is described of a 59 year old man with a chorioretinal lesion who had received a single lung transplant and was on immunosuppressive treatment. Immunoglobulin gene rearrangement and EBV detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with semiquantification were used on the vitreous material.


RESULTS
A proliferation of B lymphocytes with a monoclonal subpopulation was found by PCR on the vitreous sample. The large amounts of EBV genomes found in the vitreous suggest that EBV was the cause of the lymphoproliferation. Healing of the lesion was achieved by a decrease in immunosuppressive treatment and the use of nucleotide analogues.


CONCLUSIONS
The diagnosis of ocular post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) can be made by PCR on vitreous material. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to regression of limited monoclonal lesions.
Demols
P F
PF
Department of Ophthalmology, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium. paul.demols@euronet.be
Cochaux
P M
PM
Velu
T
T
Caspers-Velu
L
L
D015862:Choroid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D015828:Eye Infections, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D016040:Lung Transplantation; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*
D004279:DNA, Viral