Burkitt’s Lymphoma Presenting as Late-Onset Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder following Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are a rare, but serious complication following transplantation. Late-onset PTLD are often associated with more monoclonal lesions and consequently have a worse prognosis. There are only isolated case reports of Burkitt’s lymphoma presenting as PTLD. We present an extremely rare, aggressive Burkitt’s lymphoma years after kidney and pancreas transplantation which was successfully treated with combination chemotherapy along with withdrawal of immunosuppression. The patient remains in complete remission more than 2 years after his diagnosis. We also provide a succinct review of treatment of various PTLD and discuss the role of Epstein-Barr virus infection in the pathogenesis of PTLD.

Keywords

• Burkitt's lymphoma
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders
• Immunosuppression
• B-cell lymphoma 2