Central Nervous System Involvement of Epstein Barr Virus Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder in a Child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Successful Treatment with Rituximab and Interferon-Alpha

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoproliferative disease is a rare and serious complication in children with leukemia. Although rituximab therapy seems to be promising in these cases, persistent hypogammaglobulinemia may appear after treatment due to complete depletion of normal B lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. Here we report isolated CNS involvement of EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorder in a 4-year-old boy with acute leukemia. The patient was treated with rituximab and interferon alpha; however, persistent hypogammaglobulinemia developed as a complication. Given the rarity of the complication in children receiving these agents, our experience with such a case may be helpful to others.

Keywords

• epstein-barr virus
• lymphoproliferative disorder
• rituximab
• children
• leukemia