A case with an indolent course of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma demonstrating Epstein-Barr virus positivity and simulating dermatitis artefacta

Abstract

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare form of cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma. The disease has a poor prognosis in patients with the complication of hemophagocytic syndrome, especially in those with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positivity. A 20-year-old woman presented with multiple, itchy, purplish nodules and excoriations on both of her upper limbs. The histopathologic, immunohistochemical staining, and clonal T-cell receptor gene rearrangement examinations of skin lesions revealed the diagnosis of SPTCL. In situ hybridization performed for EBV was positive. There were no findings suggesting systemic involvement of SPTCL, or hemophagocytic syndrome. The lesions improved with systemic corticosteroid therapy and radiotherapy, with no recurrence. We present a patient with a protracted course of SPTCL in whom EBV positivity was demonstrated. This apparent conflict may be explained by geographic and ethnic variations in EBV infection. Further studies may shed light on the real relationship between EBV-RNA and the course of SPTCL.