Epstein-Barr Virus Positive Mucocutaneous Ulcer: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is known to be associated with B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, and EBV-positive mucocutaneous ulcer (EBV-MCU) is a recently described entity observed in immunocompromised individuals. EBV-MCU is an aggressive appearing ulcerated lesion seen in the skin, oral cavity, and gastrointestinal tract. The process has Hodgkin-like features with a self-limited, indolent course, generally responding well to conservative management. We present a case of EBV-MCU recently encountered in a 54-year-old renal transplant recipient. She had persistent rectal pain and bleeding for over a year following hemorroidectomy. A large ulcer in the distal rectum with excoriation and granular margins was noted on examination, and an initial biopsy from the lesion was inconclusive. A repeat biopsy demonstrated ulcerated squamous and colonic mucosa with a polymorphic lymphoid infiltrate in the submucosa that contained large atypical cells. The large atypical cells were positive for PAX-5 and CD30 and demonstrated EBV RNA by in situ hybridization. EBV-MCU is a recently described occurrence in transplant patients, and awareness of this recently described entity is necessary for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.