EBV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a psoriatic treated with methotrexate

Pathol Res Pract. 2009;205(1):43-9. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2008.08.006. Epub 2008 Oct 31.

Abstract

Methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (MTX-LPD) is a lymphoid proliferation or lymphoma in a patient immunosuppressed with MTX, which is usually administered for treating autoimmune diseases. The majority of MTX-LPD cases develop in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and occasionally with psoriasis who had been treated with MTX. Here, we report on a 50-year-old Taiwanese male with severe psoriasis, who received high doses of MTX. The patient developed EBV-positive MTX-LPD at nodal and extranodal sites. The diffuse and polymorphic lymphoid infiltrate consisted predominantly of immunoblasts and plasmablasts expressing B-cell markers, CD138, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-LMP1, and EBNA2, and these were monotypic for kappa light chain. The tumor cells were also positive for EBV by in situ hybridization. These findings indicated a type III latency infection of EBV. The patient died of progressive disease after 19 months. A review of the previously reported cases shows that MTX-LPD, in association with psoriasis, occurs in middle-aged males. The tumors are diffuse large B-cell lymphomas with immunoblastic morphology, and frequently show plasmacytic differentiation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Disease Progression
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / chemically induced*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / drug therapy
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / genetics
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / chemically induced*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / genetics
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / pathology
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / virology*
  • Male
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Methotrexate