Anorectal Epstein-Barr virus infection mimicking Hodgkin lymphoma in an immunocompetent man

Am J Surg Pathol. 2010 Nov;34(11):1715-9. doi: 10.1097/PAS.0b013e3181eded23.

Abstract

Anorectal Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is rare, mainly described in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients with exceptional cases reported in immunocompetents. We report the case of a middle age HIV male, presenting with intestinal occlusion. Rectosigmoidoscopy showed multiple anorectal nodular and ulceronecrotic masses. The biopsy specimens revealed a diffuse polymorphous inflammatory infiltrate in the lamina propria, associated with CD30, CD20, CD3, CD15, and ALK1 scattered large Hodgkin and/or Reed Sternberg -like cells stained by LMP1 antibody and EBER. A diagnosis of EBV-associated atypical lymphoproliferative disease mimicking HL was made. These lesions remained stable for 2 years without treatment then disappeared leaving a mucosal scar. A later control biopsy showed a condylomatous lesion, without lymphoid lesion, suggesting a sexually acquired infection. Eight years later, the complete resolution of the lesion without any treatment is a strong argument against a malignant lymphoid process and raises doubts as to the reality of isolated anorectal HL in immunocompetent participants.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anus Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Anus Diseases / immunology
  • Anus Diseases / pathology
  • Anus Diseases / virology
  • Biopsy
  • DNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / immunology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / pathology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / genetics
  • Hodgkin Disease / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / immunology
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / pathology
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / virology
  • Male
  • Rectal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Rectal Diseases / immunology
  • Rectal Diseases / pathology
  • Rectal Diseases / virology
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / diagnosis*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / immunology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / virology
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • DNA, Viral