Multiple pulmonary nodules caused by B-cell post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after bone marrow transplantation: monitoring Epstein-Barr virus viral load

Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2003 Aug;33(8):408-12. doi: 10.1093/jjco/hyg081.

Abstract

We report a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome who underwent an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation during the first remission. On day 110 he had a low-grade fever and pulmonary nodules, without superficial lymphadenopathy, were observed. The pulmonary nodules gradually increased in size and in number despite administration of anti-fungal and anti-tuberculosis agents. Transbronchial lung biopsy was performed on day 204, yielding a diagnosis of polyclonal post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) positive for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded RNA (EBER) and CD20. Subsequent measurement of herpesvirus viral load demonstrated a consistent elevation of EBV viral load from day 96 to day 221. After treatment with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab), regression of pulmonary nodules was confirmed and the number of EBV genome copies decreased to a normal range. This case suggests that monitoring the quantitative EBV viral load may be necessary in cases of EBV-associated PTLD, even in cases presenting pulmonary nodules. Solitary pulmonary nodules may be a rare symptom of PTLD, but in such cases, an aggressive approach may be necessary to obtain a correct diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / virology
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / virology*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human
  • Humans
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / etiology*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / pathology
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / virology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / etiology*
  • Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / pathology
  • Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / virology*
  • Viral Load*