Extremely delayed-onset post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in a renal transplant patient

BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Aug 17;15(8):e250625. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-250625.

Abstract

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a rare condition that occurs in patients who have undergone solid organ transplantation. Symptoms at presentation depend on the organs involved. PTLD most commonly occurs in the first year after transplant (early onset) or around 5 years after transplant (late onset). Herein, we report a rare presentation of central nervous system PTLD in an adult who presented with seizures 17 years after renal transplantation. After extensive infectious and transplant-related workup, brain biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PTLD. The patient was treated with rituximab and high-dose methotrexate. Eighteen months later, the patient had no signs of recurrence. Very late-onset (>10 years) PTLD is rare, but is likely to become more common with more long-term survivors of solid organ transplant. Data are limited but show that the factors associated with very late-onset PTLD are different from early or late-onset PTLD.

Keywords: CNS cancer; Immunology; Renal transplantation; Transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Kidney Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders* / etiology
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Rituximab
  • Methotrexate