title: Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma: a diagnostic challenge.
abstract: Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) accounts for 15-20% of all peripheral T-cell lymphomas. It is a rare subtype of CD4 T-cell peripheral lymphoma that affects aged individuals, causing B symptoms, generalized lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. Its pathogenesis is still unclear, but in some cases it has been associated with infection, allergic reaction or drug exposure. The majority of patients are diagnosed in an advanced stage and anthracycline based regimen is considered the first-line therapy. Skin involvement is not well characterized, occurring in up to 50% of patients and presenting as nonspecific rash, macules, papules, petechiae, purpura, nodules and urticaria. We present the illustrative case of a 55-year-old woman with an AITL who presented prominent skin findings, arthritis, lymphadenopathy and hypereosinophilia. Skin biopsy reported a T-cell lymphoma and the diagnosis of AITL was confirmed by an axillary lymph node biopsy, which was also positive for Epstein-Barr virus. Chemotherapy with CHOP-21 and thalidomide was given, accomplishing complete remission after six cycles.
authors: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital 'Dr. José Eleuterio González', Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico.
authors: Jorge
authors: J
authors: Ocampo-Garza
authors: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital 'Dr. José Eleuterio González', Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico.
authors: Maira Elizabeth
authors: ME
authors: Herz-Ruelas
authors: Department of Hematology, University Hospital 'Dr. José Eleuterio González', Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico.
authors: Elias Eugenio
authors: EE
authors: González-Lopez
authors: Department of Pathology, University Hospital 'Dr. José Eleuterio González', Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico.
authors: Eric Eduardo
authors: EE
authors: Mendoza-Oviedo
authors: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital 'Dr. José Eleuterio González', Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico.
authors: Juana Irma
authors: JI
authors: Garza-Chapa
authors: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital 'Dr. José Eleuterio González', Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico.
authors: Sonia Sofía
authors: SS
authors: Ocampo-Garza
authors: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital 'Dr. José Eleuterio González', Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico.
authors: Norma Elizabeth
authors: NE
authors: Vázquez-Herrera
authors: Department of Pathology, University Hospital 'Dr. José Eleuterio González', Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico.
authors: Ivett
authors: I
authors: Miranda-Maldonado
authors: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital 'Dr. José Eleuterio González', Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico.
authors: Jorge
authors: J
authors: Ocampo-Candiani
keywords: Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma; Cutaneous involvement; Epstein-Barr virus; Lymphoma