Post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maria Fernanda Villarreal, M.D. [2]
Synonyms and keywords: PTLD;
Overview
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (also known as PTLD) is defined as a B-cell proliferation due to therapeutic immunosuppression after organ transplantation. Patients with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder may develop infectious mononucleosis-like lesions or polyclonal polymorphic B-cell hyperplasia. In some cases, B-cells may undergo mutations which will render them malignant, giving rise to a lymphoma. The malignant cell clone can become the dominant proliferating cell type, leading to a group of B cell lymphomas occurring in immunosuppressed patients following organ transplant.
Historical Perspective
- Post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder was first discovered by Denis Parsons Burkitt, an Irish physician, in 1965.
Classification
- There is no classification for post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder.
Pathophysiology
- Post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder arises from germinal center or post-germinal center B cells (B-PTLD), which are normally involved the production of antibodies and durable memory B cells.
- The pathogenesis of post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is characterized by the production of interleukin-10.
- The has been associated with the development of post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder.
- On gross pathology, characteristic findings of post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, include:
- No remarkable findings
- On microscopic histopathological analysis, characteristic findings of post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, include:
- Resemblance to large cell lymphomas
- Large lymphoid cells with a diameter ~2x a resting lymphocyte.
Causes
- The most common causes of post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is Epstein-Barr virus.
Differentiating Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder from Other Diseases
- Post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder must be differentiated from other diseases that cause [clinical feature 1], [clinical feature 2], and [clinical feature 3], such as:
- [Differential dx1]
- [Differential dx2]
- [Differential dx3]
Epidemiology and Demographics
- The prevalence of post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is approximately [number or range] per 100,000 individuals worldwide.
Age
- Post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is more commonly observed among patients aged [age range] years old.
- Post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is more commonly observed among [elderly patients/young patients/children].
Gender
- Post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder affects men and women equally.
Race
- There is no racial predilection for post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder.
Risk Factors
- Common risk factors in the development of post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder are [risk factor 1], [risk factor 2], [risk factor 3], and [risk factor 4].
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
- The majority of patients with post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder remain asymptomatic for [duration/years].
- Early clinical features include [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
- If left untreated, patients with post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder may progress to develop [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
- Common complications of post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].
- Prognosis is generally [excellent/good/poor], and the [1/5/10year mortality/survival rate] of patients with post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is approximately [#%].
Diagnosis
Symptoms
- Post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is usually asymptomatic.
- Symptoms of post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder may include the following:
- Swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck or underarms
Physical Examination
- Patients with post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder usually appear [general appearance].
- Physical examination may be remarkable for:
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Persistent fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss.
Laboratory Findings
- There are no specific laboratory findings associated with post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder.
Imaging Findings
- There are no imaging findings associated with post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
- The medical treatment for post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, include:
- Anti-viral therapy
- Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder may regress spontaneously on reduction or cessation of immunosuppressant medication anti-viral therapy.
Surgery
- Surgery is not recommended for patients with post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder.
Prevention
- There are no primary preventive measures available for post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder.