Lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) are generally caused by uncontrolled B-cell proliferation induced by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the setting of impaired EBV-specific T-cell immunity, particularly when there is pharmacological immunosuppression including antithymocyte globulin. We herein present an unusual case of EBV associated with LPD (EBV-LPD) in which LPD occurred 3 weeks after the use of rabbit antithymocyte globulin administered for severe hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia; the patient died of fulminant leukemic lymphoma 5 days after the onset. We also review the pertinent literature on EBV-LPD after immunosuppressive therapy and document the efficacy of EBV viral load monitoring and the need for preemptive therapy.

Keywords:
Aplastic anemia, Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Epstein-Barr virus, Antithymocyte globulin, Lymphoproliferative disorder
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© 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel
2011
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