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Lymphoma Mimicking Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus: A Case Report
Rohini Bahethi1, Mingyang Gray2, Christian Salib3
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1189, One Gustave L Levy Place, NY, 10029, New York, USA.
Head and Neck Pathology
|May 1, 2020
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause infectious mononucleosis (IM) and cancer. This case highlights a rare EBV-associated Hodgkin lymphoma presentation, emphasizing diagnostic challenges in chronic active EBV.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) commonly causes infectious mononucleosis (IM) in immunocompetent individuals.
- EBV is recognized as a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of various malignancies.
- Chronic active EBV (CAEBV) infection is a rare condition with diverse clinical manifestations.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old man presented with persistent cervical lymphadenopathy, weight loss, fevers, and night sweats.
- Initial biopsies were inconclusive or showed reactive changes, complicating diagnosis.
- A diagnosis of EBV-positive infectious mononucleosis was made, followed by a diagnosis of chronic active EBV.
Findings:
- A subsequent excisional biopsy revealed EBV-positive classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL).
- The patient achieved a complete response to chemotherapy for CHL.
- This case illustrates an unusual EBV presentation potentially leading to delayed CHL diagnosis.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of thorough investigation in persistent lymphadenopathy, even with initial benign findings.
- Underscores the complex relationship between EBV infection and lymphomagenesis.
- Suggests considering EBV-driven malignancies in the differential diagnosis of chronic active EBV.
