Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026

An Efficient and Simple Method to Establish NK and T Cell Lines from Patients with Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
Published on: March 30, 2018
Methotrexate-associated EBV-positive vasculitis in the skin: a report of two cases simulating rheumatoid vasculitis
Masakazu Fujimoto1, Yo Kaku2, Noriyuki Yamakawa3
1Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan.
Abstract:
Rheumatoid vasculitis (RV) is one of the most serious extra-articular complications of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), generally treated with a high dose of immunosuppressive drugs. Recently, we encountered two cases of ulcerative vasculitis in methotrexate (MTX)-prescribed RA patients, which simulated RV; however, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded RNA in situ hybridization on their skin biopsies revealed many EBV-positive lymphocytes (over 50 cells/high-power field) within the vessel walls and perivascular stroma, which led us to the diagnosis of EBV-related vasculitis instead of RV. Subsequently, both ulcers regressed after the discontinuation of MTX and no recurrence was noted during the follow-up period. To prevent unnecessary treatment, EBV-positive vasculitis should be added in the differential diagnosis of lymphocytic vasculitis observed in MTX-administered RA patients.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Cytomegalovirus Disease

