Peripheral T-cell lymphoma that developed during the follow-up of IgG4-related disease

IgG4-related disease is a recently recognized fibroinflammatory disorder characterized by extensive IgG4-positive plasma cell and lymphocyte infiltration of various organs. The pancreatic manifestation of IgG4-related disease is called autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), in which autoimmune mechanisms are likely involved. On the other hand, some autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders, such as Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis, are associated with increased risks of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). There have been a few reports of cases with IgG4-related disease that had subsequently developed NHL, however, all of them suffered from B-cell lymphoma. We describe the first case of NHL, compatible with a subtype of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), which arose in IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis. As patients with IgG4-related disease may be at an increased risk of developing NHL, such presentation during the follow-up of IgG4-related disease should be carefully scrutinized to exclude NHL.

New strategies in peripheral T-cell lymphoma: understanding tumor biology and developing novel therapies

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) constitute a group of heterogeneous diseases that are uncommon, representing, in Western countries, only approximately 10% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas. They are typically associated with a poor prognosis compared with their B-cell counterparts and are much less well understood with respect to tumor biology, owing to their rarity and biologic heterogeneity, and to the fact that characteristic cytogenetic abnormalities are few compared with B-cell lymphomas. Although the outcome for patients with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), particularly anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive ALCL, is good, other types of PTCLs are associated with a poor prognosis, even with aggressive anthracycline-based chemotherapy. In this respect, there is a need for new approaches in these diseases, and this review focuses on and explores recent experience with novel therapies in PTCL.

[Clinical analysis of 12 patients with angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma]

To evaluate the clinical, pathological characters and prognosis of patients with angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma (AITL), the clinicopathologic features, immunophenotypes, therapy and survival rate of 12 AITL patients which were confirmed by pathologic examination were retrospectively studied. The results indicated that main symptom was observed as general lymphadenopathy, however, 9 patients had fever. The diagnosis of AITL was based on lymph-node biopsy. The histopathologic characteristics of AITL showed the damage of normal lymphnode structure, the proliferation of immunoblastic cells and arborescent super vascularization. All immunophenotypes were mature peripheral T-cellular. CVP regimen was the most common chemotherapy regimen used for patients. 58% patients have a good initial response to chemotherapy. 3-year survival was 25%, with median survival time of 25 months. In conclusion, most cases of AITL display an aggressive course, therefore, the disease progresses rapidly and has unfavorable prognosis, further studies are required to improve its therapy regimen.

Palmoplantar keratoderma as the initial sign in a peripheral T-cell lymphoma

A 27-year-old male with an acquired severe, diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma as the initial sign of peripheral T-cell lymphoma is reported.

Implications for differential diagnosis of lung cancer-associated lymphadenopathy in lymphoepithelioid cell lymphoma (Lennert's lymphoma) arising simultaneously with lung cancer: a case report

BACKGROUND

Lymphoepithelioid cell lymphoma (LCL) is a rare morphologic variant of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, and its cytologic features have not been well characterized. We describe details from fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of LCL in a patient simultaneously suffering from lung cancer, in whom extensive lymph node metastasis was suspected clinically.

CASE

A 54-year-old man had a lung nodule diagnosed as an adenocarcinoma by biopsy. 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography showed high uptake in the lung nodule as well as interlobar, supraclavicular and axillary lymph nodes. FNAC from interlobar and supraclavicular lymph nodes revealed abundant lymphoid cells intermingled with epithelioid cell clusters. Most lymphoid cells were small, with teardrop-shaped nuclei. Occasionally, large lymphoid cells with hyperconvoluted nuclei and prominent nucleoli were observed. An extensive sarcoid reaction was suspected on cytology, and lobectomy was performed. LCL with lung adenocarcinoma was diagnosed on the immunohistochemical findings.

CONCLUSION

Detailed observation of lymphoid cells with FNAC is important even in patients with lung cancer and massive regional lymphadenopathy. Presence ofa teardrop nuclear shape and nuclear irregularities of lymphoid cells provides important information for cytologic diagnosis of LCL when epithelioid cell clusters are evident.

Clinical and pathological diagnosis of peripheral T-cell lymphoma and emerging treatment options: A case-based discussion

The diverse group of peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) present clinical and pathologic challenges. Proper recognition and diagnosis can be difficult even for experienced pathologists because these entities tend to vary in morphologic appearance from case to case within the same subtype and often mimic other diseases in appearance. This makes the use of immunologic markers an essential tool. Clinically, PTCLs are difficult to treat because they often present in an advanced stage and are resistant to traditional first-line chemotherapeutic regimens. Five-year overall survival rates are dismal, ranging from 20-50%, depending upon subtype. Although high-dose sequential chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been reported to improve overall survival in patients with PTCL, this therapy is only feasible for the small minority of patients who experience a durable complete response to induction therapy. Therefore, there is much interest in the field in developing novel first-line approaches that will improve response rates and duration. In this monograph, 2 case studies of different subtypes of PTCL will be presented, and the clinical and pathologic features will be discussed. In addition, data on emerging therapies for PTCLs will be reviewed with an emphasis on novel and investigational agents.

A case of peripheral T-cell lymphoma unspecified involving subcutaneous tissue

A 36-year-old man presented with a 3-year-old red-brown plaque with subcutaneous nodules on his left thigh. Although a similar lesion was observed on his right thigh 3 years earlier, it spontaneously disappeared 1 year later. However, the lesion on the left thigh was growing larger. Histologically, the lesion showed a diffuse and dense infiltration of atypical lymphocytes extending from the superficial dermis to the subcutaneous tissue. Severe lobular panniculitis, composed of small- and medium-sized atypical lymphocytes and large normal histiocytes, was observed in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Immunohistochemical studies revealed a post-thymic T-cell phenotype. A genetic analysis demonstrated a rearrangement of the T-cell receptor chain gene. The left skin lesion also gradually disappeared after skin biopsy without therapy, and he continues to be in remission.

Primary hepatic peripheral T-cell lymphoma in a patient with chronic hepatitis B infection

We report a case of primary hepatic peripheral T-cell lymphoma in a patient with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis. This patient presented with a solitary hepatic lesion with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging features that did not resemble hepatocellular carcinoma. Subsequent biopsy of the lesion revealed that it was a peripheral T-cell lymphoma. The patient was successfully treated with multi-agent chemotherapy followed by radiofrequency ablation. Although hepatocellular carcinoma is the most frequently encountered primary hepatic tumour in patients with hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis, primary hepatic lymphoma should also be borne in mind. Nevertheless, primary hepatic lymphoma is a rare entity, and has no proven association with chronic hepatitis B infection.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in peripheral T-cell lymphomas

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) are a rare entity with a dismal outcome. After conventional chemotherapy they showed a worse prognosis compared with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), except for anaplastic lymphoma-kinase (ALK)-positive anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL). High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) has been evaluated in relapsed patients as well as in the upfront setting. Available data showed an advantage for patients who received transplant as first line treatment whereas results of autografting at relapse have been satisfactory only for ALK-positive ALCLs compared to other PTCL subtypes. Based upon preliminary results, allogeneic SCT can be also considered as an alternative strategy in these lymphomas. Whether or not the postulated graft-versus-lymphoma effect may overcome the poor prognosis of T-cell NHL patients has to be established.

[Clinicopathologic features and diagnosis of 18 patients with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical and pathologic features of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma(AITL) and provide evidence for diagnosis.

METHODS

Eighteen AITL patients (9 males and 9 females aged from 14 to 70 years) were retrospectively analyzed in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from July 2002 to September 2007.

RESULTS

Characteristic features at the presentation of AITL included generalized lymphadenopathy, fever, splenomegaly, and skin rashes with polyclonal hyper-gammaglobulinemia and other hematological abnormalities (such as Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia), which often involved the bone marrow and had well-described histologic features. The positive rate for CXCL13 was 93.3%.

CONCLUSION

Repeated lymphadenbiopsy is helpful for AITL diagnosis. Routine histological and immunohistochemical examinations (especially including CXCL13) play significant role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of AITL.

Extranodal CD20-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma presenting with adrenal and testicular masses

We report a case of extranodal CD20-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). A 59-year-old man was admitted because of a right testicular mass in April 2006. CT scan revealed bilateral adrenal masses and he underwent right orchiectomy. The enlarged testis showed diffuse infiltration of large CD20-positive lymphocytes with slight CD3-positive cells. These cells were negative for CD10 and showed a high MIB-1 index. The pathological diagnosis was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. He received R-CHOP, but developed brain involvement. He received whole brain radiotherapy following high-dose methotrexate, but he died of disease progression in August 2007. At autopsy, lymphoma cells were definitely positive for CD3 and negative for CD20. Monoclonal TCR gamma gene rearrangement was detected in the brain specimen without IgH rearrangement by PCR. The testicular tumor also showed the same clonal bands. Immunohistochemical re-evaluation of the testis showed CD20+, CD79a-, PAX5-, MUM1-, CD3 p+, CD5 p+, CD4-, CD8-, CD7 p+, granzyme B+, and TIA1+. Based on the clinical course and immunohistology, we finally diagnosed this case as extranodal PTCL-nos (not otherwise specified) with aberrant CD20 expression, which is extremely rare. The detection of gene rearrangement, plural immunohistochemical markers and knowledge of the possibility of CD20+ PTCL-nos are necessary for such cases.

Novel CD19 expression in a peripheral T cell lymphoma: A flow cytometry case report with morphologic correlation

BACKGROUND

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas are uncommon lymphomas that show T-cell antigenic loss and clonal T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement. Rare cases of T-cell lymphomas with aberrant expression of CD20 have been described. However, CD19 coexpression in a mature T-cell neoplasm has not been reported.

METHODS

Histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and PCR for TCR gene rearrangement were performed on an excised lymph node specimen and a subsequent fine needle aspiration (FNA) of an additional lymph node. Flow cytometry (FC) was performed on FNA and peripheral blood specimen.

RESULTS

The lymph node's architecture was effaced by a diffuse atypical lymphoid proliferation that, by IHC, was positive for CD3, CD2, and CD43 and negative for CD4, CD5, CD8, TdT, CD1a, and B-cell-associated antigens PAX-5, CD20, and CD79a. A clonal TCR gene rearrangement was detected. FC was performed on a subsequent FNA, and peripheral blood specimen demonstrated an aberrant T-cell population with expression of CD2, CD3, CD27, TCR alpha/beta, CD52, CD38, CD45, and CD26 (partial expression) and negative for CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD10, CD30, and CD56. The aberrant T-cell population also expressed bright CD19.

CONCLUSIONS

Using FC, we describe the first case of peripheral T-cell lymphoma with aberrant coexpression of CD19.

Peripheral T cell lymphoma with a high titer of proteinase-3-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies that resembled Wegener's granulomatosis

Here, we present a 54-year-old man with proptosis and swelling below the left eyelid. Laboratory findings showed high levels of PR3-ANCA and histological examination of the first biopsy revealed acute inflammation. Together with the findings of MRI, a diagnosis of WG was made. However, the disease progressed rapidly and histological examination of the second biopsy revealed infiltration of neoplastic T lymphocytes with aberrant loss of CD7. A final diagnosis of peripheral T cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (WHO) was made, and complete remission was achieved by chemotherapy. This is a very rare case of T cell lymphoma with a high titer of PR3-ANCA.

Evaluation and management of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma: a review of current approaches and future strategies

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is a rare and complex lymphoproliferative disorder, clinically characterized by widespread lymphadenopathy, extranodal disease, immune-mediated hemolysis, and polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia. Significant progress has been made in the understanding of AITL since its recognition as a clonal T-cell disorder with associated deregulation of B-cells and endothelial cells within a unique malignant microenvironment. However, as the responses to conventional chemotherapy have not been durable, prognosis with current treatment approaches has remained dismal. Here we review the clinical presentation, prognosis, and management of patients with AITL. We discuss recent developments in the understanding of the pathogenesis of AITL at a cellular and molecular level, including the implication of the follicular helper T-cell as the corresponding cell of origin, the roles of Epstein-Barr virus, B-cell deregulation, angiogenesis, and other signaling pathways in AITL, and the therapeutic implications of these findings. Finally, we discuss recent clinical trials and novel treatment approaches in the management of patients with AITL.

Persistent varicella as the initial manifestation of systemic lymphoma

Varicella is a common benign childhood disease that often presents in adolescents and adults in a more severe form. We report a previously healthy 50-year-old man who developed multiple necrotic cutaneous ulcers associated with fever, asthenia and anorexia. Physical examination revealed few tense hemorrhagic vesicles on the trunk and necrotic cutaneous ulcers scattered over the entire cutaneous surface. After the diagnosis of varicella with varicella pneumonia was established, treatment with acyclovir was instituted. His poor response to treatment was indicative of immune compromise; an underlying peripheral T-cell lymphoma was discovered.

[Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in 73 patients with peripheral T cell lymphoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical features,therapy and prognosis of patients with peripheral T cell lymphoma(PTCL), and to find out the prognostic factors of the disease.

METHODS

The clinical data of 73 patients with PTCL were reviewed.The median pre-treatment disease course was 3 months.Fifty-five patients were males, and 18 were females, with the median age of 42 years.Five patients received the combined chemo-radio therapy, 65 received chemotherapy alone, and the other 3 patients were treated with auto hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

RESULTS

Of all the patients, the overall 3 -year and 5-year survival rates were 38% (28 /73) and 22% ( 16 /73) respectively.The survival rates decreased with the progression of the Ann Arbor stages.The survival rate of the patients with B symptom (fever, night sweat, and weight loss) or the international prognostic factors index ( IPI)>2 was lower than those of the patients without B symptom or IPI<2.The patients with the increased CA125 or D-dimer lever had the worst curative effect.

CONCLUSION

Peripheral T cell lymphoma is highly aggressive with poor prognosis.The clinical features,Ann Arbor staging, IPI and B symptom are important prognostic factors.CA125 and D-dimer may be also important prognostic factors.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma with erysipelaslike spread

An 88-year-old man from the Dominican Republic with a history of gastric adenocarcinoma was admitted with one month of fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, and abdominal pain. The dermatology department was consulted to evaluate an asymptomatic, shiny, firm, red nodule on the lower left chest, with an expanding rim of erythema. Skin biopsies were performed from the nodule and surrounding rim of erythema, which were both diagnostic of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). This case is a unique example of PTCL with erysipelaslike spread.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma in a five year old

We report a case presenting with persistent pyrexia that led to the diagnosis of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, a rare malignancy in childhood. The case illustrates diagnostic conundrums in a patient who is not responding as expected to treatment.

Bilateral peripheral T-cell lymphoma of breast: a case report

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of the breast is uncommon and the bilateral involvement is extremely rare. Usually, primary breast lymphoma is of B-cell phenotype, most common subtype being the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Preoperative differentiation of lymphoma from carcinoma is essential and limited material can pose diagnostic problem unless the index of suspicion is high. Twenty six year old pregnant lady, presented with bilateral breast lumps with a clinical impression of carcinoma. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) followed by biopsy of the breast mass was performed and a diagnosis of NHL, peripheral T-cell type (not otherwise specified) was made. She received 8 cycles of CHOP chemotherapy and showed dramatic improvement with regression of bilateral breast masses. She had an uneventful normal delivery and both the mother and the child are doing well. Since FNAC is a primary diagnostic tool for all breast lesions, a differential of lymphoma should always be kept in mind in all poorly differentiated malignant tumours. Such cases need biopsy confirmation and immunophenotyping for further sub-typing.