Chronic herpes simplex infection in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a group of cancers affecting the skin.
• Patients with advanced CTCL often experience immunosuppression due to the disease or its treatments.
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections can cause significant morbidity in immunocompromised individuals.

Observation:

• Five patients with advanced CTCL developed severe, unresponsive erosive or ulcerative lesions.
• These lesions were attributed to herpes simplex virus infection.
• The herpetic infections were chronic and progressive in nature.

Findings:

• Therapeutic interventions for HSV were ineffective in these patients.
• Immunosuppression from advanced CTCL or its treatment likely contributed to the severity and chronicity of the HSV infection.
• HSV infection presents as a significant diagnostic consideration for ulcerative skin lesions in CTCL patients.

Implications:

• Healthcare providers should include HSV infection in the differential diagnosis for cutaneous ulcerations in patients with CTCL.
• Early recognition and management of HSV infections are crucial in immunocompromised CTCL patients.
• This highlights the complex interplay between hematologic malignancies, immunosuppression, and opportunistic infections.