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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Lymphocyte Isolation from Human Skin for Phenotypic Analysis and Ex Vivo Cell Culture
Published on: April 8, 2016
Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder presenting as an isolated skin lesion
D M Gonthier1, G Hartman, J L Holley
1Division of Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Insights
Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) can manifest as a solitary skin lesion, initially misdiagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. Careful examination of skin biopsies is crucial for accurate PTLD diagnosis in immunosuppressed patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Dermatopathology
Background:
- Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a significant complication following organ transplantation, often associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.
- PTLD typically presents systemically, but extranodal or unusual presentations can occur, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A case is presented where PTLD manifested solely as an isolated skin lesion.
- Initial biopsy was misinterpreted as squamous cell carcinoma, highlighting potential diagnostic pitfalls.
Findings:
- Pathologic review, including immunoglobulin and EBV DNA staining, corrected the diagnosis to PTLD.
- The patient had no other signs of lymphoma, and the skin lesion resolved with surgical excision.
Implications:
- Isolated skin lesions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of PTLD in post-transplant patients.
- Histopathologic examination of skin biopsies from immunosuppressed individuals requires meticulous evaluation for PTLD.
Abstract:
A case of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) presenting as an isolated skin lesion is reported. An initial superficial biopsy of the lesion was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. After pathologic review of the biopsy and staining for immunoglobulins and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA, the correct diagnosis of PTLD was made. The patient had no systemic manifestations of lymphoma and the skin lesion was successfully treated with excision. Isolated skin lesions should be included among the potential sites for PTLD and histologic skin specimens from posttransplant immunosuppressed patients should be examined carefully for PTLD.
