Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder with cutaneous involvement: A series of four cases

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are lymphoid proliferations associated with post-transplant immunosuppression. Most originate from B cells and are associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Although extranodal involvement is common, cutaneous presentation is rare.

To report and characterize cutaneous manifestations of PTLD from clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemistry standpoints.

Patients' information was obtained retrospectively by reviewing medical records. Skin biopsies were submitted to histological and immunohistochemistry analysis, and EBV detection was performed by in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Staging examinations were included. A literature review of reported cutaneous PTLD cases was performed.

We describe two cases of primary cutaneous and 2 cases of systemic PTLD with secondary cutaneous manifestations. All had late onset disease, which presented at least 6 years after transplantation. Histopathologic findings were compatible with monomorphic PTLD in three cases and plasmacytic hyperplasia in one case. EBV was detected in two patients. Both patients with systemic disease had fatal outcome, and those with primary cutaneous involvement responded to treatment.

Due to the rare incidence of cutaneous manifestation of PTLD, the analysis of a large number of cases was not possible.

Although rare, PTLD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of late onset cutaneous complications post-renal transplant.