title: Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma in a 19 month-old boy: a case report.
abstract: Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare type of T-cell lymphoma of CD3+CD8+ phenotype characterized by deep-seated skin nodules or plaques mimicking panniculitis, a result of neoplastic lymphocytes infiltrating the subcutaneous fatty tissue. We present a case of a 19-month year old boy with SPTCL diagnosed and successfully treated in our institution. Disease first presented with symptoms of high fever and painful erythematous nodule located below the umbilicus. Later on the infiltrates appeared on the face, legs, arms and the back of the body. As the most decisive in obtaining the diagnosis, skin biopsy showed atypical, small to medium-sized lymphatic cells infiltrating the deeper dermal layers as well as the subcutaneous adipous tissue surrounding the adipocytes. Immunohystochemical analysis showed neoplastic lymphocytes positive for CD2, CD3, CD5, CD7, CD8, Tia-1, granzyme B and perforine, and negative for CD20, CD34, TDT and CD56. No infiltration of blood vessels or epidermis was evident. Specific T-cell lymphomas protocol (EURO-LB 02) was then initiated which resulted with rapid regression of all general and local symptoms. The treatment was completed according to schedule and the child is now, 24 months after the initiation of the treatment, in complete remission.
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology and Oncology, Pediatric Clinic, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia. ljubica.rajic@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Ljubica
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rajić
authors.forename: Ernest
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bilić
authors.forename: Ranka
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Femenić
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mestrović
authors.forename: Ivana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ilić
authors.forename: Ruzica
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lasan-Trcić
authors.forename: Klara
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dubravcić
authors.forename: Karmela
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Husar
authors.forename: Ika
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kardum-Skelin
authors.forename: Goran
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tesović
authors.forename: Zdravka
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Culig
authors.forename: Josip
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Konja
mesh_terms: D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001706:Biopsy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004890:Erythema / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D007223:Infant; D016399:Lymphoma, T-Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D015122:Mercaptopurine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015434:Panniculitis / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D015122:Mercaptopurine; D008727:Methotrexate