Cutaneous angiocentric T-cell lymphoma associated with Epstein-Barr virus

Abstract

Background: Two unusual cases of cutaneous angiocentric T-cell lymphoma were found to be associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Objective: The objective was to study the clinical course and the response of the disease to conventional chemotherapy.

Methods: Histologic specimens from both patients were studied. Clonal proliferation was assessed by Southern blot hybridization.

Results: The disease in both patients was rapidly progressive and responded poorly to aggressive treatment. Biopsy specimens showed infiltration of atypical lymphoid cells with angiocentricity and angiodestruction, which probably resulted in the observed tissue necrosis. Clonal proliferation of Epstein-Barr virus DNA was detected in tissue from primary skin lesions and disseminated nasal lesions.

Conclusion: Epstein-Barr virus-associated angiocentric T-cell lymphoma in our patients was characterized by an aggressive course and resistance to conventional chemotherapy. A search for Epstein-Barr virus and the human T-lymphotropic virus should be performed in patients with atypical features of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.