Epstein-Barr virus-associated enteritis with multiple ulcers after stem cell transplantation: first histologically confirmed case

Pathol Int. 2006 Sep;56(9):530-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1827.2006.02001.x.

Abstract

The present case involves unique enteritis forming multiple ulcers associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). A 57-year-old man had undergone a reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation for a relapse of multiple myeloma following sequential autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. The ileum, resected for massive melena, showed multiple irregular ulcers with occasional cobblestone-like appearance. There was inflammation including numerous plasma cells in the ulcer bases and surrounding areas, where many EBV-infected plasma cells were detected by double staining with EBV-encoded small RNA-1 (EBER-1) in situ hybridization and CD79a, while EBV-infected epithelial cells were not noted. The number of EBER-1-positive cells in the ileum (mucosa, 1451 cells/mm(2); submucosa, 465 cells/mm(2)) was much larger than in control samples (malignant lymphoma or leukemia after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, n = 4, range 0-113 cells/mm(2); malignant lymphoma after chemotherapy, n = 14, range 0-0.89 cells/mm(2); colon cancer, n = 12, range 0-3.5 cells/mm(2)). In the mucosa near the ulcers, EBER-1-positive cells often surrounded and involved the glandular epithelium, forming lymphoepithelial-like lesions. The histological findings differ from post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders or intestinal thrombotic microangiopathy, and this is the first case of EBV-associated enteritis with ulcers characterized by numerous plasma cells and lymphoepithelial-like lesions after stem cell transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • CD79 Antigens / metabolism
  • Enteritis / immunology
  • Enteritis / pathology
  • Enteritis / virology*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / immunology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / pathology*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / prevention & control
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human
  • Humans
  • Ileum / immunology
  • Ileum / pathology*
  • Ileum / virology
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Intestinal Mucosa / immunology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / pathology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / virology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy
  • Plasma Cells / immunology
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Ulcer / immunology
  • Ulcer / pathology
  • Ulcer / virology*

Substances

  • CD79 Antigens
  • Epstein-Barr virus encoded RNA 1
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • RNA, Viral