Primary cutaneous CD8+ and CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders: case reports and clinical implications

CD8+ CD30+ primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (PCTCL) are rare entities with overlapping pathological features and variable outcome.

We sought to highlight the importance of correlation between pathological findings and clinical presentation for correct classification of the disease.

Two cases of CD8+ CD30+ PCTCL were investigated. The first patient presented with a multiple necro-erythematous lesion of the limb and the second with a papulo-necrotic lesion of the eyelid.

Despite a different clinical presentation, pathological findings were similar in both cases. Clinico-pathological correlation led to a diagnosis of primary cutaneous CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma in the first case and primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma in the second. The first patient died shortly after diagnosis and the second is alive without recurrence.

Clinico-pathological correlation is essential for the correct identification of these rare diseases.