Epstein-Barr virus-associated hepatic smooth muscle neoplasm in a cardiac transplant recipient

Transplantation. 1996 Feb 15;61(3):515-7. doi: 10.1097/00007890-199602150-00036.

Abstract

Host immunosuppression is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for the development of a primary neoplasm. Chronic immunosuppressive therapy, as used in organ transplantation, may perturb the immunosurveillance ability of the host, making the patient more susceptible to virus-associated malignancies. We have taken care of a care of a child who received an orthotopic heart transplant and who then developed both a generalized lymphoproliferative disorder and a leiomyoma of the liver a year later. Epstein-Barr virus DNA was detected in a lymph node initially and the hepatic tumor cells subsequently. The former responded to a reduction in the immunosuppressive medications and the latter responded to surgical resection. This is the first report of a hepatic smooth cell neoplasm occurring following cardiac transplant and the development of two sequential Epstein-Barr virus-associated disorders in an immunosuppressed patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Heart Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / etiology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human* / genetics
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human* / isolation & purification
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human* / pathogenicity
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Leiomyoma / etiology*
  • Leiomyoma / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / etiology
  • Male
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • RNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Tumor Virus Infections / etiology

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • RNA, Viral