Nael A, Walavalkar V, Wu W, Nael K, Kim R, Rezk S, Zhao X. CD4-Positive T-Cell Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma in an HIV Positive Patient.
Am J Clin Pathol 2016;
145:258-65. [PMID:
27124906 DOI:
10.1093/ajcp/aqv087]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are predominantly B-cell lymphomas associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and rarely CD8-positive T-cell PCNSLs.
METHODS
Patient history, laboratory results, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), imaging, and brain biopsy specimens were reviewed and tested for T-cell receptor clonality.
RESULTS
A 64-year-old HIV-positive woman sought treatment for lethargy and left-sided weakness. Brain imaging showed regional increased T2 signal with restricted diffusion in cerebral hemispheres. CSF flow cytometry revealed CD4-positive T lymphocytes with loss of CD3, CD5, and CD7. EBV-positive T-cell lymphoma was immunohistochemically confirmed on brain biopsy specimens. Molecular analysis detected clonal T-cell receptor gene rearrangement. The patient received intrathecal methotrexate and whole-brain radiation. She did not respond to treatment and was eventually placed in hospice care.
CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the first report of CD4-positive T-cell PCNSL in an HIV-positive patient and will help to raise clinical awareness of this previously unknown entity.
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