Primary cutaneous giant cell plasmacytoma in an organ transplant recipient: a rare presentation of a posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder

Am J Dermatopathol. 2010 Jul;32(5):479-85. doi: 10.1097/DAD.0b013e3181c2c0b5.

Abstract

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is comprised of a spectrum of lymphoid diseases, ranging from early lesions, such as plasmacytic hyperplasia, to monomorphic neoplasms, including plasmacytoma-like lesions. Although PTLD may involve a variety of organs, primary cutaneous PTLD is rare. We report a unique case of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive primary cutaneous giant cell plasmacytoma developed 5 years after renal/pancreatic transplant in a 55-year-old male patient. The patient received local radiotherapy without reduction in immunosuppression and responded well. A review of the literature identified additional 49 cases of primary cutaneous B-cell PTLD, including 18 cases of plasmacytoma-like lesions. Primary cutaneous B-cell PTLD usually presents years after transplantation, has male preponderance, tends to occur on extremities, is frequently EBV-associated, and predicts a favorable clinical outcome. Unlike PTLD in general, in which EBV-positive cases usually occur earlier than EBV-negative ones, the longer presentation interval in the cutaneous PTLD seems to be uncorrelated to EBV status. Compared with other subtypes of cutaneous B-cell PTLD, plasmacytoma-like lesions have an increased male preponderance and tendency to present on the extremities. Although the majority of cases have been treated with reduction of immunosuppression, antiviral therapy and/or local radiotherapy, and a few with chemotherapy, the best therapeutic intervention for primary cutaneous B-cell PTLD remains to be further investigated with the analysis of more reported cases and large clinical trials.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Giant Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Giant Cell / virology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / pathology
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreas Transplantation*
  • Plasmacytoma / pathology*
  • Plasmacytoma / virology
  • Postoperative Complications / pathology
  • Postoperative Complications / virology
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / virology