Clinical and Pathological Features of Hydroa Vacciniforme-Like Lymphoproliferative Disorder Along with Risk Factors Indicating Poor Prognosis

Purpose

To examine the clinical and pathological features, laboratory markers, therapeutic options and risk factors indicating poor prognosis of hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoproliferative disorder (HVLPD).

Patients and Methods

Seven patients with HVLPD had their clinical and pathological data collected. Immunohistochemical staining, Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA (EBER) in situ hybridization experiments, T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement, RT-PCR tests and the Elisa assay were carried out.

Results

The main clinical manifestations were papulovesicular lesions and ulcers on the face, neck, or trunk. Five cases had systemic symptoms. Three of the deceased patients had significant facial edema, deep body necrosis, and ulceration. The pathological results demonstrated that lymphocytes infiltrated blood vessels and sweat glands in addition to the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. All patients tested positive for CD3 and EBER. Six cases tested positive for TCRβF1, but none tested positive for TCRδ. TCRγ monoclonal rearrangement, strongly positive expression of TIA-1 and a Ki67 proliferation index of 40% occurred in 3 fatal cases. When compared to the survival group, the plasma EBV DNA in the deceased group was considerably higher (P<0.05). IFN-γ and TNF-α cytokine levels in patients were higher than in the control group, particularly in the deceased group (P<0.05). The skin lesions on all patients recovered quickly underwent conservative care. Nonetheless, 3 patients passed away as the disease progressed in its latter stages.

Conclusion

In our cases, the main infiltrating cells were T cells and the dominant lymphocyte subclass was αβT cells. A significant increase in lgE level, plasma EBV DNA, IFN-γ, and TNF-α cytokine levels, decreased hemoglobin level, strongly positive expression of TIA-1, high Ki67 proliferation index, and positive TCR gene rearrangement are all indicators of a poor prognosis.

Hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoproliferative disorder: A retrospective study on clinicopathological characteristics of 32 cases

The clinicopathological features of 32 patients (17 females and 15 males) with a median age of 8 years (range, 1.5-21 years) from Southwestern China diagnosed with hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoproliferative disorder (HVLPD) were reviewed. At presentation, 6 patients showed only skin lesions, while 26 patients showed both skin lesions and systemic symptoms, including fever, lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. As the disease progressed, systemic symptoms occurred in all patients. Follow-up data of 29 patients showed that 14 patients were still alive with disease with a median follow-up time of 22 months (range 3.6-71 months), and 15 patients died within a median follow-up of 6 months (range 0-60 months).

Hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoproliferative disorder: A clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and prognostic study of 24 cases in China

Hydroa vacciniforme‐like lymphoproliferative disorder (HV‐LPD) is a rare cutaneous disease associated with Epstein–Barr virus infection. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical presentation, histopathological characteristics, and prognostic study of HV‐LPD in 24 Chinese patients. All patients presented with recurrent papulovesicular and necrotic eruptions on the face, neck, and extremities, with 11 showing systemic symptoms. Twenty patients were diagnosed with HV‐LPD in childhood (age < 18 years) and four in adulthood (age ≥ 18 years). The median age at diagnosis was 8.5 years old (range, 2–50). Histopathology revealed variably dense lymphocyte infiltration throughout the dermis. All cases were strongly positive for CD3 and Epstein–Barr encoding region based on in situ hybridization. Of 18 cases with a T‐cell phenotype, 15 harbored monoclonal rearrangements in T‐cell receptor (TCR) genes. Four cases with a natural killer cell phenotype carried polyclonal rearrangements in TCR genes. Among 24 patients, eight (33.3%) received chemotherapy, two (8.3%) allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and both are currently alive without disease. The median follow‐up period was 24 months (range, 7–120) and 23 patients were available: 15 (62.5%) were alive, and eight (33.3%) had died. Fourteen cases had a relapse of disease and three developed lymphoma within 24 months of diagnosis. The mean survival time of childhood‐onset patients was longer than that of adult‐onset patients (36.4 vs. 20.8 months). In summary, the wide clinical course and representative presentation of cases in our center reflect the pedigree characteristics of HV‐LPD. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be a preferred choice for relapse and refractory patients due to the poor effect of chemotherapy. Adult‐onset and high serum EBV DNA loads may indicate an increased risk of aggressive disease in patients with HV‐LPD.

Hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoproliferative disorder in Ecuadorian children: A case series

We report the clinical and histopathological features of hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoproliferative disorder in five indigenous and Mestizo children. All the children resided at higher altitudes, experiencing maximal solar exposure. All cases presented with prurigo along with Epstein-Barr virus infection. Histopathologic examination showed an atypical, CD30 + lymphocytic infiltrate with angiocentricity in all, while three cases demonstrated panniculitis-like infiltrate.

Hydroa Vacciniforme and Hydroa Vacciniforme-Like Lymphoproliferative Disorder: A Spectrum of Disease Phenotypes Associated with Ultraviolet Irradiation and Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus Infection

Hydroa vacciniforme (HV) is a rare form of photosensitivity disorder in children and is frequently associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection, whereas HV-like lymphoproliferative disorders (HVLPD) describe a spectrum of EBV-associated T-cell or natural killer (NK)-cell lymphoproliferations with HV-like cutaneous manifestations, including EBV-positive HV, atypical HV, and HV-like lymphoma. Classic HV occurs in childhood with papulovesicules on sun-exposed areas, which is usually induced by sunlight and ultraviolet irradiation, and mostly resolves by early adult life. Unlike classic HV, atypical or severe HV manifests itself as recurrent papulovesicular eruptions in sun-exposed and sun-protected areas associated occasionally with facial edema, fever, lymphadenopathy, oculomucosal lesions, gastrointestinal involvement, and hepatosplenomegaly. Notably, atypical or severe HV may progress to EBV-associated systemic T-cell or natural killer (NK)-cell lymphoma after a chronic course. Although rare in the United States and Europe, atypical or severe HV and HV-like lymphoma are predominantly reported in children from Asia and Latin America with high EBV DNA levels, low numbers of NK cells, and T cell clones in the blood. In comparison with the conservative treatment used for patients with classic HV, systemic therapy such as immunomodulatory agents is recommended as the first-line therapy for patients with atypical or severe HV. This review aims to provide an integrated overview of current evidence and knowledge of HV and HVLPD to elucidate the pathophysiology, practical issues, environmental factors, and the impact of EBV infection.

The aim of the measurement of Epstein-Barr virus DNA in hydroa vacciniforme and hypersensitivity to mosquito bites

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA load in the blood increases in posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders and chronic active EBV infection. In this report, we analyzed the EBV DNA load in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma of patients with hydroa vacciniforme (HV) and/or hypersensitivity to mosquito bites (HMB) to understand the clinical significance of EBV DNA load. All 30 patients showed high DNA loads in the PBMCs over the cut-off level. Of 16 plasma samples, extremely high in two samples obtained from patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The amount of cell-free DNA in plasma was correlated to the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase and inversely correlated to platelet counts. These results indicate that the EBV DNA load in PBMCs can provide one of the diagnostic indicators for HV and HMB and marked elevation of cell-free EBV DNA in plasma might be related to cytolysis such as that observed in HLH.

Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection: Is It Immunodeficiency, Malignancy, or Both?

Simple Summary

Chronic active Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection (CAEBV) is a rare syndrome of unknown etiology characterized by prolonged infectious mononucleosis-like symptoms and proliferation of EBV-infected T and/or natural killer cells. CAEBV has been primarily reported in East Asia and Latin America, suggesting a genetic predisposition in its pathogenesis. The clinical course of CAEBV is heterogeneous ranging from an indolent and occasionally self-limiting disease to an aggressive and fatal condition, but its prognosis is generally poor. This heterogeneous clinical picture does not suggest a simple etiology for the syndrome. Clinicopathological investigations of CAEBV suggest that it has aspects of both malignant neoplasm and immunodeficiency. This article summarizes the latest findings on CAEBV and discusses critical unsolved questions regarding its pathogenesis and disease concept.

Abstract

Chronic active Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection (CAEBV) is a rare syndrome characterized by prolonged infectious mononucleosis-like symptoms and elevated peripheral blood EBV DNA load in apparently immunocompetent persons. CAEBV has been primarily reported in East Asia and Latin America, suggesting a genetic predisposition in its pathogenesis. In most cases of CAEBV, EBV induces proliferation of its unusual host cells, T or natural killer (NK) cells. The clinical course of CAEBV is heterogeneous; some patients show an indolent course, remaining in a stable condition for years, whereas others show an aggressive course with a fatal outcome due to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, multiple organ failure, or progression to leukemia/lymphoma. The pathogenesis of CAEBV is unclear and clinicopathological investigations suggest that it has aspects of both malignant neoplasm and immunodeficiency. Recent genetic analyses of both viral and host genomes in CAEBV patients have led to discoveries that are improving our understanding of the nature of this syndrome. This article summarizes the latest findings on CAEBV and discusses critical unsolved questions regarding its pathogenesis and disease concept.

Hydroa vacciniforme: a distinctive form of Epstein-Barr virus-associated T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders

Hydroa vacciniforme (HV) is a cutaneous subset of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated T/NK lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs). Our previous case series study clearly showed a clinical spectrum of EBV-associated T/NK LPDs including HV, hypersensitivity to mosquito bites (HMB), chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV), and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Patients with HV are divided into two groups: a benign subtype designated "classic HV" (cHV) and more serious systemic HV (sHV), also called "HV-like LPD" in the 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Patients with cHV usually have an increased number of EBV-infected γδT cells and patients with sHV without HMB are further classified into two groups: γδT-cell- and αβT-cell-dominant types. Patients with HMB, with or without HV-like eruptions, have an increased number of EBV-infected NK cells in the blood. Patients with cHV and γδT-cell-dominant sHV show a favourable prognosis, but the other subtypes such as αβT-cell-dominant sHV and HMB have a poor prognosis with mortality rates of 11.5 and 3.51 per 100 person-years, respectively. In addition to the clinical subtypes and the dominant lymphocyte subsets, the poor prognostic indicators include onset age over nine years and expression of the reactivation marker, BZLF1 mRNA. No prognostic correlation has been reported for anti-EBV antibody titres or EBV DNA load. The clinical subtypes and their prognostic factors should be considered for therapeutic interventions.

Ocular manifestations of hydroa vacciniforme in a Black child

PURPOSE

To report the clinical presentation (systemic and ocular) of hydroa vacciniforme in a Black South African child.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 14-year-old Black boy was seen at the corneal service with cutaneous erosions, varioliform scarring, corneal scarring, cicatricial conjunctivitis and central crystalline corneal opacity.

CONCLUSION

We report the first case in the literature of ocular hydroa vacciniforme in a young Black South Africa boy.

Characterization of skin blister fluids from children with Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative disease

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated T- or natural killer (NK)-cell lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by chronic proliferation of EBV-infected lymphocytes. Patients may present with severe skin manifestations, including hypersensitivity to mosquito bites (HMB) and hydroa vacciniforme (HV)-like eruption, which are characterized by blister formation and necrotic ulceration. Skin biopsy specimens show inflammatory reactions comprising EBV-infected lymphocytes. However, blister fluids have not been fully assessed in patients with this disease. Blister fluids were collected from three patients with EBV-associated LPD: two with HMB and one with HV. Immunophenotyping of blister lymphocytes and measurement of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in blister fluids were performed. The patients with HMB and HV exhibited markedly increased percentages of NK and γδ T cells, respectively, in both peripheral blood and blister fluids. These NK and γδ T cells strongly expressed the activation marker human leukocyte antigen-DR and were considered to be cellular targets of EBV infections. TNF-α was highly elevated in all blister fluids. Severe local skin reactions of EBV-associated LPD may be associated with infiltrating EBV-infected lymphocytes and a high TNF-α concentration in blister fluids.

Cytologic Analysis of Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated T/Natural Killer-Cell Lymphoproliferative Diseases

Rapid, precise diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus-associated T lymphocyte or natural killer cell lymphoproliferative diseases is clinically important to prevent disease progression and avoid fatal outcomes for patients. In addition to detecting increased copy numbers of Epstein-Barr virus, identification of the lymphocyte subpopulation targeted by the virus infection is crucial to reaching the final diagnosis. However, these procedures are laborious and require large amounts of sample. In contrast, flowcytometric analysis may provide crucial information for initial screening of diseases using only small amounts of sample and involves little labor. In addition to the increase of a particular subpopulation, selective HLA-DR expression indicates selective activation and expansion of a virus-infected clone. Presence of a characteristic HLA-DR^high CD5^dim/negative fraction within CD8⁺ T lymphocytes indicates a possible diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus-associateds hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. One should note, however, that cases with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis may exhibit a similar abnormal fraction within CD8⁺ T lymphocytes. These T cells are oligoclonally expanded reactive T cells expanding in response to B cells infected with Epstein-Barr virus.

GATA2 Deficiency and Epstein-Barr Virus Disease

GATA2 is a transcription factor that binds to the promoter of hematopoietic genes. Mutations in one copy of the gene are associated with haploinsufficiency and reduced levels of protein. This results in reduced numbers of several cell types important for immune surveillance including dendritic cells, monocytes, CD4, and NK cells, as well as impaired NK cell function. Recently, GATA2 has been associated with several different presentations of severe Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) disease including primary infection requiring repeated hospitalizations, chronic active EBV disease, EBV-associated hydroa vacciniforme with hemophagocytosis, and EBV-positive smooth muscle tumors. EBV was found predominantly in B cells in each of the cases in which it was studied, unlike most cases of chronic active EBV disease in which the virus is usually present in T or NK cells. The variety of EBV-associated diseases seen in patients with GATA2 deficiency suggest that additional forms of severe EBV disease may be found in patients with GATA2 deficiency in the future.

Recurrent scarring papulovesicular lesions on sun-exposed skin in a 22-year-old man

KEY TEACHING POINTS.

Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Vesiculopapular Eruption on the Face of a Patient with Natural Killer T Cell Lymphoma

Unlike typical hydroa vacciniforme (HV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated HV-like eruption is more variable in its clinical manifestations. In some patients, progression to lymphoma or leukemia has been reported, which are characterized by the T-cell immunophenotype. Here, we report the first Korean case of EBV-associated vesiculopapular eruption on the face of a patient with natural killer (NK)/T cell lymphoma. A 32-year-old Korean man presented with a late adolescent-onset recurrent necrotic papulovesicles on his face. The patient was previously diagnosed with EBV-associated NK/T cell lymphoma of the oral cavity and also had childhood-onset hypersensitivity to mosquito bites. Biopsy of his facial skin showed EBV-associated vesiculopapular eruptions, though ultraviolet provocation did not reproduce the skin lesions. EBV viral load in his peripheral blood was detected but low. The patient was treated with systemic chemotherapy. The lymphoma went into remission, but the facial EBV-associated vesiculopapular eruption had a relapsing and remitting course.

Association of GATA2 Deficiency With Severe Primary Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Infection and EBV-associated Cancers

BACKGROUND

Most patients infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are asymptomatic, have nonspecific symptoms, or have self-limiting infectious mononucleosis. EBV, however, may result in severe primary disease or cancer.

METHODS

We report EBV diseases associated with GATA2 deficiency at one institution and describe the hematology, virology, and cytokine findings.

RESULTS

Seven patients with GATA2 deficiency developed severe EBV disease. Three presented with EBV infectious mononucleosis requiring hospitalization, 1 had chronic active EBV disease (B-cell type), 1 had EBV-associated hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoma with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and 2 had EBV-positive smooth muscle tumors. Four of the 7 patients had severe warts and 3 had disseminated nontuberculous mycobacterial infections. All of the patients had low numbers of monocytes, B cells, CD4 T cells, and natural killer cells. All had elevated levels of EBV in the blood; 2 of 3 patients tested had expression of the EBV major immediate-early gene in the blood indicative of active EBV lytic infection. Mean plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ, and interferon gamma-induced protein 10 were higher in patients with GATA2 deficiency than in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

GATA2 is the first gene associated with EBV hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoma. GATA2 deficiency should be considered in patients with severe primary EBV infection or EBV-associated cancer, especially in those with disseminated nontuberculous mycobacterial disease and warts.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated T/natural killer-cell lymphomas in the elderly: the first consensus meeting in Kofu 2013

From a clinicopathological conference on nine elderly patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated T/natural killer (NK)-cell lymphoma, we have addressed the patients' backgrounds, clinical manifestations, histopathological findings, cytogenesis, complications and prognoses. Among these elderly patients (>65 years old), seven patients had extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKL) with an NK-cell phenotype, and two patients had EBV(+) T-cell lymphomas or lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) with cutaneous lesions mimicking pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA) or hydroa vacciniforme (HV). No patients had a previous episode of EBV-related symptoms such as infectious mononucleosis, chronic active EBV infection, HV or hypersensitivity to mosquito bites. Elderly patients with ENKL may show the centroblastoid variant. EBV(+) CD8(+) CD56(+/-) lymphocytes may be responsible for the development of PLEVA or HV-like cutaneous lesions in the elderly.

Epstein-Barr virus: dermatologic associations and implications: part I. Mucocutaneous manifestations of Epstein-Barr virus and nonmalignant disorders

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous virus that has been implicated in a wide range of human diseases, many of which have mucocutaneous manifestations. As a member of the herpesviridae family, EBV causes lifelong infection by establishing latency in B lymphocytes. An intact immune response is critical in preventing progression of EBV disease, and the clinical manifestations of infection are dependent on the intricate relationship between virus and host immune system. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnostic testing in EBV infection. In part I of this continuing medical education article, the mucocutaneous manifestations of EBV infection are reviewed with an emphasis on pathophysiology and management.

Current research on chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection in Japan

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is usually asymptomatic and persists lifelong. Although EBV-infected B cells have the potential for unlimited proliferation, they are effectively removed by the virus-specific cytotoxic T cells, and EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disease develops only in immunocompromised hosts. Rarely, however, individuals without apparent immunodeficiency develop chronic EBV infection with persistent infectious mononucleosis-like symptoms. These patients have high EBV-DNA load in the peripheral blood and systemic clonal expansion of EBV-infected T cells or natural killer (NK) cells. Their prognosis is poor with life-threatening complications including hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, organ failure, and malignant lymphomas. The term "chronic active EBV infection" (CAEBV) is now generally used for this disease. The geographical distribution of CAEBV is markedly uneven and most cases have been reported from Japan and other East Asian countries. Here we summarize the current understanding of CAEBV and describe the recent progress of CAEBV research in Japan.