[A case of age-related Epstein-Barr virus-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder which presented with

Yoshikatsu Noda1, Yoshihisa Ohtsuka, Naoko Yasui

  • 1Department of Neurology, Kobe University Hospital

Insights

A rare Epstein-Barr virus-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder affected the central nervous system in an elderly patient. Despite treatment, the condition progressed, leading to a fatal outcome and confirmed by autopsy findings.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Oncology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause various conditions, including lymphoproliferative disorders.
  • Central nervous system (CNS) involvement by EBV is uncommon, particularly in older adults.

Observation:

  • A 65-year-old man presented with malaise and disturbed consciousness.
  • Brain MRI revealed FLAIR hyperintensities in the basal ganglia, temporal lobe, frontal lobe, and brainstem.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid showed elevated EBV-DNA and positive EBV antibody titers.

Findings:

  • Initial treatment with acyclovir and steroids was ineffective, with progressive neurological decline.
  • Autopsy identified atypical B-cells in brain tissue.
  • Immunohistochemistry confirmed Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA (EBER) in situ hybridization (ISH) positivity.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare instance of CNS involvement by age-related EBV-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder.
  • The findings underscore the importance of considering EBV-driven lymphoproliferative disorders in elderly patients with unexplained neurological symptoms.
  • Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis and develop effective treatments for this rare condition.

Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...