Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1)-Associated Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma in a Patient Previously Treated for Strongyloidiasis

Cureus. 2023 Oct 18;15(10):e47283. doi: 10.7759/cureus.47283. eCollection 2023 Oct.

Abstract

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a rare form of T-cell lymphoma with poor median survival time and limited response to chemotherapy. We present a 45-year-old female from Ghana with generalized body rash, hypercalcemia, lymphadenopathy, and lytic bone lesions. She had a history of strongyloidiasis, treated two years ago, and her serology was positive for the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). Histopathology of cervical lymph node and abdominal rash biopsy revealed T-cell lymphoma. We present a literature review on the topic and the challenges of diagnosis. We emphasize the importance of considering HTLV-1-associated ATLL in patients who have been treated for strongyloidiasis in the past and are presenting with rash or lymphadenopathy.

Keywords: htlv-1 associated atll; hypercalcemia in atll; lymphadenopathy; rash; strongyloidiasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports