Long-term follow-up of post renal transplantation Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumors: Report of two cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated smooth muscle tumors (SMTs) following solid organ transplantation are very rare slow growing neoplasms. Most tumors present with non-specific symptoms mainly related to tumor location. Post-transplant EBV-associated small muscle tumors have been reported in various anatomical locations. The tumors have a predilection to unusual sites for SMTs and tend to be multifocal. The histologic appearance of these tumors generally does not predict their clinical behavior. Surgery and reduction in immunosuppression are the main stays of management. We herein report two cases of post renal transplant EBV-associated SMTs with over 6 years of follow-up. A 33-year-old male patient presented with hepatic lesions and a 49-year-old female patient presented with multiple mesenteric and gluteal lesions. The tumors were diagnosed 6 and 10 years after renal transplantation, respectively. Surgical resection and reduction/discontinuation of immunosuppression were successful in delaying progression of the disease; however, in both cases, the allografts failed during the course of management.

Keywords: neoplasms; pathology; transcription factors; transplantation; virus.