post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder


post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder

A family of Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoid expansions with a range of histologies, from infectious mononucleosis-like lymphoid hyperplasia to monoclonal neoplasms, that may not be classifiable as specific types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, even if typical genetic defects are present. Monoclonal post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) do not regress when immunosuppression is withdrawn. PTLD occurs in 1–10% of organ transplant recipients; most cases that occur in solid organ recipients are of host origin.
Diagnosis
Post-transplant patients at risk for PTLD can be identified by detecting expression (as small mRNA) of the EBER-1 gene.
Note
Malignant features may regress with reduced immunosuppression.