Recurrent and self-healing cutaneous monoclonal plasmablastic infiltrates in a patient with AIDS and Kaposi sarcoma

Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare variant of diffuse large cell lymphoma that often involves the oral cavity of HIV+ patients. It is characterized by immunoblastic morphology and plasma cell phenotype. Cutaneous involvement in PBL appears to be rare. We report a 44-year-old man with AIDS and Kaposi sarcoma (KS) previously treated with doxorubicin who, following treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy, developed an erythematous infiltrated nodule on the right arm. Histology showed subcutaneous fat necrosis and clusters of atypical large plasma cells (plasmablastic cells). Immunohistochemistry revealed lambda light chain restriction. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization within the plasmablastic cells. Polymerase chain reaction amplification with specific primers for human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) performed on the skin biopsy specimen detected a specific band. A complete screening (bone marrow biopsy, computed tomographic scan, radiological survey) disclosed no abnormalities. The lesion resolved spontaneously after 3 months. Two years later an infiltrated plaque developed on the abdominal wall. The clinical and histopathological features of this new lesion were similar to those observed 2 years previously. No evidence of extracutaneous involvement was detected. The lesion again resolved spontaneously after 25 days. PBL may be seen in patients with transplants or receiving chemotherapy, but is usually observed in patients with advanced AIDS. The observation of recurrent self-healing EBV- and HHV-8-associated cutaneous monoclonal plasmablastic infiltrates, in a patient with AIDS and KS, expands the clinical spectrum of AIDS-associated plasmablastic lymphoproliferative disorders.     

Human herpesvirus 8-associated lymphoma mimicking cutaneous anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Primary effusion lymphoma, a human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8)-associated lymphoma, is uncommon, and it is usually seen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. It presents as a body cavity-based lymphomatous effusion, but several cases of the so-called solid primary effusion lymphoma presenting as solid tumors without associated lymphomatous effusion have been reported. They have similar clinical, histopathological and immunophenotypical features. Most of them have a B-cell genotype. This suggests the solid variant may represent a clinicopathological spectrum of primary effusion lymphoma. We report a case of HHV8-associated lymphoma histopathologically and immunophenotypically mimicking cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The patient was a 31-year-old HIV-seropositive man presenting with skin nodules over his right thigh. Biopsy of the nodules showed anaplastic large cells infiltrating the dermis. These malignant cells strongly expressed CD3, CD30 and CD43. Cutaneous anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma was initially diagnosed, but further tests, including immunoreactivity for HHV8 protein and clonal rearrangements of immunoglobulin genes, confirmed the diagnosis of HHV8-associated B-cell lymphoma with aberrant T-cell marker expression. This case provides an example of solid primary effusion lymphoma mimicking cutaneous anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma and highlights the importance of HHV8 immunohistochemistry and molecular tests in the diagnosis of HHV8-associated lymphoma with a cutaneous presentation.     

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus and human herpesvirus 7 and 8 genomes in primary cutaneous T- and B-cell lymphomas

BACKGROUND: Several studies have investigated the possible involvement of viral agents, particularly herpesviruses, in primary cutaneous lymphoma (PCL). OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to screen for the presence of human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) and 8 (HHV-8) genomes in samples of PCL, and to determine if their presence was independent of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). METHODS: Screening was performed using polymerase chain reaction assay in 64 skin samples from historical lesional tissues with PCL. RESULTS: Only nine cases showed positivity for HHV-7: four of 29 mycosis fungoides (MF), two of four CD30-positive large-cell cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), two of 12 follicle centre cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (CBCL) and one of nine marginal zone CBCL. Fifteen cases tested positive for EBV: seven of 29 MF, two of four pleomorphic small/medium sized CTCL, three of three angiocentric CTCL, one of 12 follicle centre CBCL and two of nine marginal zone CBCL. All cases were uniformly negative for HHV-8. No simultaneous positivity was found for EBV and HHV-7. Controls tested negative for all viruses. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that EBV, HHV-7 and HHV-8 seem not to be involved in the pathogenesis of PCL.     

CD30 (Ki-l)-positive primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: Report of spontaneous resolution

A 28-year-old man in whom CD30 (Ki-1)-positive cutaneous large cell lymphoma manifested as multiple widespread ulcerated nodules, which developed over a 2-week period, is reported. The lymphoma was composed of large anaplastic cells in large clusters, with scattered eosinophils, neutrophils and small lymphocytes. Extensive staging investigations revealed no extra-cutaneous disease. No treatment was given because, within weeks of presentation, the nodules began to regress spontaneously and the patient remains disease-free 20 months later.     

Primary effusion lymphoma presenting as a cutaneous intravascular lymphoma

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare and aggressive lymphoma that arises in the context of immunosuppression and is characterized by co‐infection with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus‐8/Kaposi sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (HHV‐8/KSHV). It was originally described as arising in body cavity effusions, but presentation as a mass lesion (extracavitary PEL) is now recognized. Here, we describe a case of PEL with an initial presentation as an intravascular lymphoma with associated skin lesions. The patient was a 53‐year‐old man with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) who presented with fevers, weight loss and skin lesions concerning for Kaposi sarcoma (KS). A skin biopsy revealed no evidence of KS; however, dermal vessels contained large atypical cells that expressed CD31 and plasma cell markers but lacked most B‐ and T‐cell antigens. The atypical cells expressed EBV and HHV‐8. The patient subsequently developed a malignant pleural effusion containing the same neoplastic cell population. The findings in this case highlight the potential for unusual intravascular presentations of PEL in the skin as well as the importance of pursuing microscopic diagnosis of skin lesions in immunosuppressed patients.     

A Case of Ki-1 Positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Transformed from Mycosis Fungoides

A case of cutaneous Ki-1 positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma which developed in the plaque stage of mycosis fungoides was described. A 73-year-old woman who had suffered from pruritic scaly eruptions over her entire body for more than two decades was admitted because of an ulcerated tumor measuring 45 times 55 times 15 mm and several satellite tumors on the buttock. All tumorous lesions were resected without recurrence to date. Histochemical study revealed that the tumor consisted of large anaplastic cells which were Ki-1 (CD30)-positive and LCA-negative. Some of the erythematous plaques contained LCA-positive, small-sized atypical lymphocytes. In other plaques which developed two years later, there were large Ki-1-positive atypical cells. In the specimens obtained from the tumor and the plaque, the same pattern of T-cell receptor gene rearrangements was detected. These findings indicate that both Ki-1 positive anaplastic cells in the tumor and atypical lymphoid cells in the plaques were derived from the same T cell clone.     

原发性皮肤CD30~+间变性大细胞淋巴瘤一例

患者,男,50岁。背部、前胸多发结节伴轻压痛半年余。皮损组织病理检查示:表皮角化过度、棘层肥厚;真皮全层及皮下组织间变性弥漫肿瘤细胞浸润、瘤细胞体积大,可见核分裂相。免疫组化结果:85%CD30强阳性,Ki-67约40%(+),CD3(++),LCA(+)。诊断:原发性皮肤CD30~+间变性大细胞淋巴瘤,T细胞型。     

Lack of evidence of human herpesvirus 8 DNA sequences in HIV-negative patients with various lymphoproliferative disorders of the skin

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is a new virus which has been reported in Kaposi's sarcoma and some lymphoproliferative disorders such as Castleman's disease and body-cavity-based lymphoma. Because HHV-8 shares homology with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), we searched for the presence of HHV-8 DNA sequences in various cutaneous T-and B-cell lymphoma by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Fortyseven HIV-negative patients with cutaneous lymphoma or large plaque parapsoriasis were enrolled in the study. For the detection of HHV-8 DNA sequences we used PCR followed by a hybridization with a digoxigenin-labelled probe and nested-PCR. HHV-8 DNA sequences could only be detected in a patient with large plaque parapsoriasis. Our study does not suggest any direct implication of HHV-8 in the pathogenesis of most cutaneous lymphoma. Serological studies will be helpful to appreciate if there is an epidemiological link between HHV-8 and cutaneous lymphomas.     

Primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma treated with radiotherapy and methotrexate with development of xanthomas at the sites of prior disease

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare type of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, and the involvement of the ocular adnexa is extremely rare. Secondary xanthoma‐like changes after radiation therapy or chemotherapy have been rarely reported in association with large‐cell T‐cell anaplastic lymphoma. We report one case of a primary C‐anaplastic large cell lymphoma affecting the eyelid with fast progression with multiple nodules in various anatomic sites and development of xanthoma‐like lesions after treatment.     

Two cases of primary hyperparathyroidism associated with primary cutaneous lymphoma

Primary hyperparathyroidism has been described previously in association with malignancy, but to our knowledge has not been reported in association with primary cutaneous lymphoma. We report two cases of parathyroid adenoma with primary cutaneous lymphoma, the first in a 42-year-old woman with CD30-negative cutaneous large cell lymphoma, and the second in a 67-year-old man with mycosis fungoides and CD30-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma.     

The effects of human herpesvirus 8 infection and interferon-gamma response in cutaneous lesions of Kaposi sarcoma differ among human immunodeficiency virus-infected and uninfected individuals

Background Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8). The cutaneous immune response in this tumour is not well established and a better understanding is necessary. Objectives To evaluate the HHV‐8 expression and immune response in cutaneous lesions of classic KS (CKS) and AIDS‐associated KS (AIDS‐KS). Methods We performed a quantitative immunohistochemical study of cells expressing HHV‐8 latency‐associated nuclear antigen (LANA), CD4, CD8 and interferon (IFN)‐γ in skin lesions from patients with CKS and AIDS‐KS (with or without highly active antiretroviral therapy, HAART). Results CKS showed higher LANA expression compared with AIDS‐KS, regardless of HAART. We also found higher LANA expression in nodules compared with patch/plaque lesions. The tissue CD4+ cell proportion was lower in AIDS‐KS patients without HAART than in patients with CKS. In CKS lesions, CD4+ and CD8+ cells expressed IFN‐γ, as shown by double immunostaining. AIDS‐KS presented low numbers of IFN‐γ‐expressing cells. CD8+ cell numbers were similar in all groups, which appeared unrelated to the clinical or epidemiological type of KS. Conclusions Our quantitative data on the pattern of KS lesions in selected groups of patients, as shown by in situ immune response, demonstrated a CD4+ T‐cell involvement associated with IFN‐γ, an environment of immune response‐modified human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In our sample, the promotion of KS in patients without HIV appears to be related to higher HHV‐8 load or virulence than in those with AIDS. This higher resistance may be explained by a sustained immune response against this herpesvirus, that is only partially restored but effective after HAART.     

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma with intralymphatic involvement associated with chronic lymphedema

Chronic lymphedema predisposes to develop malignant cutaneous tumors, including angiosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma and B‐cell lymphoma. T‐cell malignancy has rarely been associated with chronic lymph stasis. Here, we report a case of primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) with lymphatic spread associated with chronic lymphedema. The patient is a 56‐year‐old man who received orchiectomy and right inguinal lymphadenectomy for malignant seminoma 10 years ago, which led to prominent lymphedema of the right leg. He developed extensive skin nodules on the lymphedematous area for 3 months. Histopathology findings confirmed a diagnosis of pcALCL, which is a subtype of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma characterized by the presence of CD30+ T cells. Intralymphatic infiltration of malignant cells is prominent. The pathogenesis of intralymphatic cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma is largely unknown. Our case suggests that chronic lymphedema resulted in persistent CD4+ T‐cell inflammation, which then may contribute to the development of pcALCL.     

Use of an expanded immunohistochemical panel to distinguish cutaneous Hodgkin lymphoma from histopathologic imitators

In lymph nodes, classical Hodgkin lymphoma can typically be distinguished from non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) by the presence of Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells that co-express CD30 and CD15. However, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can show identical features, and some cases of classical Hodgkin lymphoma lack CD15 expression, rendering them difficult to differentiate from CD30-positive NHL. The differential diagnosis of cutaneous Hodgkin lymphoma similarly includes ALCL and DLBCL, and, additionally, tumors of mycosis fungoides. Recent studies have shown that classical Hodgkin lymphoma is of B-cell origin in virtually all cases, and shows at least focal weak expression of the B-cell marker PAX5 and often focal weak expression and no expression of the B-cell markers Oct-2 and BOB.1, respectively. All three of these markers are almost invariably absent in T-cell lymphomas and are strongly expressed in B-cell lymphomas. We report a 40-year-old man with classical Hodgkin lymphoma who developed cutaneous nodules. A biopsy from one revealed Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg cells with a similar immunophenotype to the diagnostic lymph node biopsy, namely CD30+/CD15+, diffusely but weakly PAX5+, focally weakly Oct-2+ and lacking BOB.1 expression, thereby confirming a diagnosis of cutaneous Hodgkin lymphoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the expression pattern of the combination of PAX5, Oct-2 and BOB.1 in the context of cutaneous involvement by Hodgkin lymphoma.     

原发性皮肤CD30阳性淋巴组织增生性疾病临床病理分析

目的 探讨原发性皮肤CD30阳性淋巴组织增生性疾病的临床及病理学特征。方法 对4例淋巴瘤样丘疹病及5例原发性皮肤间变性大细胞淋巴瘤的临床、病理学特征及免疫组化表达进行分析。结果 淋巴瘤样丘疹病分为A、B、C三型,组织学上形成一个连续的谱系,A型见多形性间变性大细胞或Sternberg-Reed样细胞散在分布或小片状分布在多量炎性细胞背景中;B型类似蕈样肉芽肿病变,表现为真皮层较宽的淋巴细胞浸润带,其中散在少量小至中等异形脑回样淋巴细胞;C型以间变性大细胞弥漫分布为特征,但临床上可自行消退。原发性皮肤间变性大细胞以皮下结节或皮肤丘疹就诊,瘤细胞体积大,呈多形性、圆形或椭圆形,胞质丰富,嗜酸或呈双色性,核大,核仁明显。两组病变中的大细胞均特征性表达CD30,预后均较好。结论 原发性皮肤CD30阳性淋巴组织增生性疾病是一组预后较好的皮肤T细胞性淋巴瘤谱系,综合临床表现、组织病理改变、免疫组化有助于本病的诊断。     

CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorder: primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma followed by lymphomatoid papulosis

CD30+ large anaplastic lymphoid cells are seen in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), and also in lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) and other lymphoproliferative disorders. It can be difficult precisely to categorize these disorders with CD30+ cells. We report a case of primary cutaneous CD30+ ALCL with systemic metastases in whom the clinical disease subsequently evolved into LyP. The patient was initially administered cisplatin and etoposide and made a good response. Eighteen months later, recurrent, self-healing cutaneous small nodules appeared around the original tumour site without any systemic involvement. Histopathological examination of the recurrent lesions revealed infiltration with a mixture of cells that included neutrophils, eosinophils and CD30+ large anaplastic cells cytologically identical with those in the primary lesion. The anaplastic cells in both the primary and recurrent lesions were positive for monoclonal antibodies CD30, CD25 and a monoclonal antibody directed against the chimeric protein p80(NPM-ALK). These observations suggest the possibility that the ALCL and the subsequent LyP represent different clinical manifestations of proliferation of the same clone.     

Detection of human herpesvirus 8 in Korean Kaposi's sarcoma cases by polymerase chain reaction and in situ polymerase chain reaction.

Several infectious agents, including herpesvirus-like particles, had been suggested as possible candidates for the development of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), and a new herpesvirus, human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), was recently identified in the vast majority of KS lesions, irrespective of their association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, the etiologic role of HHV-8 in KS remains controversial. We undertook this study to screen for and localize the presence of HHV-8 in KS in Korea. A total of 46 paraffin-embedded specimens were studied, including KS, hemangioproliferative disorders, and 10 non-KS lesions from HIV-positive patients. We performed nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ PCR with HHV-8 specific primers. HHV-8 DNA sequences were detected in 8 of 11 KS specimens. All specimens of hemangioproliferative disorders, non-KS lesions from HIV-positive patients, and other skin samples were negative for HHV-8. When sequencing PCR products, the sequences were almost identical with the prototypic sequence for HHV-8. In PCR-positive tissues, in situ PCR staining of HHV-8 localized to nuclei of endothelial cells and perivascular spindle-shaped tumor cells. The results of this study suggest that HHV-8 is not widespread and has a certain causative role in the development of KS. Further studies, including serological and animal studies, will be helpful to appreciate an epidermiological link and pathogenetic mechanism between HHV-8 and KS.     

Kaposi肉瘤组织人类疱疹病毒8型免疫组化检测

目的．探讨免疫组化检测Kaposi肉瘤（KS）组织人类疱疹病毒8型（HHV-8）的可行性及其诊断意义。方法采用免疫组化方法分别检测58例KS组织和40例化脓性肉芽肿组织中HHV-8的表达。结果①HHV-8在KS真皮瘤体中的表达阳性率为94．83％（55／58）,在化脓性肉芽肿表达均阴性,在KS组织和血管瘤组织瘤体中的表达差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。②HHV-8在KS组织表皮中表达阳性率为6．90％（4／58）,血管内皮细胞中的表达阳性率为91．38％（53／58）,真皮梭形细胞中表达阳性率为94．83％（55／58）。⑧结节期KS组织中表达HHV-8阳性的细胞所占比例较斑片期及斑块期明显增多,其差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论免疫组化方法检测HHV-8在KS的诊断中具有重要意义。     

原发性皮肤间变性大细胞淋巴瘤1例

报告1例原发性皮肤间变性大细胞淋巴瘤。患者女,49岁。右小腿结节1年,溃烂5个月。皮损组织病理检查:真皮内有密集的淋巴样细胞浸润,瘤细胞大、核呈肾形或不规则形、核分裂像多见,免疫组化示瘤细胞约70?30阳性、约20?45Ro阳性,而CD3、CD20、MPO、TIA-1、ALK-1均为阴性。诊断为原发性皮肤间变性大细胞淋巴瘤。     

Localized perineal cutaneous nodules: a case of recurrent systemic anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma

We report an unusual case of localized cutaneous nodules heralding the recurrence of systemic CD30+ anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma (ALCL). A 47‐year‐old woman developed numerous violaceous nodules in the perineal and upper thigh area 3 years after multimodal treatment and complete remission of primary anaplastic large‐cell CD30+ lymphoma. Using immunohistochemical and T‐cell gene rearrangement analysis, a recurrence of her anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma was diagnosed.     

Cutaneous CD30 (Ki-1)-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma preceded by Hodgkin's disease

A 38-year-old female was diagnosed as Hodgkin's disease of the axillar lymph nodes, nodular sclerosis type, as evidenced by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells positive for CD30 and CD15 and negative for CD3, CD20, and CD45. She achieved complete remission after combination chemotherapy. Two years later, she noticed a red papule on her public area without any lymph node involvement. The biopsy specimens showed diffuse proliferation of large-sized atypical lymphoid cells positive for CD30 and CD45, and negative for CD3, CD20 and CD15. These findings were mostly compatible with CD30 (Ki-1)-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (Ki-1 lymphoma). Our case is considered to be cutaneous Ki-1 lymphoma preceded by Hodgkin's disease.