Genetic abnormalities assist in pathological diagnosis and EBVpositive cell density impact survival in Chinese angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma patients

Objective:To explore the application of genetic abnormalities in the diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma(AITL)and the reliable pathological prognostic factors.Methods:This study included 53 AITL cases,which were reviewed for morphological patterns,immunophenotypes,presence of Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg(HRS)-like cells,and co-occurrence of B cell proliferation.The Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)-positive cells in tissues were counted,and cases were classified into“EBV encoded RNA(EBER)high-density”group if>50/HPF.Targeted exome sequencing was performed.Results:Mutation data can assist AITL diagnosis:1)with considerable HRS-like cells(20 cases):RHOA mutated in 14 cases(IDH2 co-mutated in 3 cases,4 cases with rare RHOA mutation),TET2 was mutated in 5 cases(1 case comutated with DNMT3A),and DNMT3A mutated in 1 case;2)accompanied with B cell lymphoma(7 cases):RHOA mutated in 4 cases(1 case had IDH2 mutation),TET2 mutated in 2 cases and DNMT3A mutated in 1 case;3)mimic peripheral T cell lymphoma,not otherwise specified(5 cases):RHOA mutated in 2 cases(IDH2 co-mutated in 1 case),TET2 mutated in 3 cases,and DNMT3A mutated in 1 case;4)pattern 1(1 case),RHOA and TET2 co-mutated.Besides RHOAG17V(30/35),rare variant included RHOAK18N,RHOAR68H,RHOAC83Y,RHOAD120G and RHOAG17del,IDH2R172 co-mutated with IDH2M397V in one case.There were recurrent mutations of FAT3,PCLO and PIEZO1 and genes of epigenetic remodeling,T-cell activation,APC and PI3K/AKT pathway.EBER high-density independently indicated adverse overall survival and progression-free survival(P=0.046 and P=0.008,KaplanMeier/log-rank).Conclusions:Over half AITL cases might be confused in diagnosis for certain conditions without mutation data.Targeted exome sequencing with a comprehensive panel is crucial to detect both hot-spot and rare mutation variants for RHOA and IDH2 and other recurrent mutated genes in addition to TET2 and DNMT3A.EBER highdensity independently indicated adverse survival.

Intestinal T-cell lymphomas:A retrospective analysis of 68 cases in China

AIM: To investigate the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of intestinal T-cell lymphomas (ITCL) by retrospective analysis.

A case of colon perforation due to enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma

Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) is an extremely rare disease, which is often related to gluten-sensitive enteropathy. It is an uncommon intestinal lymphoma with very poor prognosis and high mortality rate. In the absence of specific symptoms or radiological findings, it is difficult to diagnose early. Major complications of EATL have been known as intestinal perforation or obstruction, and only 5 cases of EATL are reported in South Korea. In this study, we report a case of 71-year-old male with symptoms of diarrhea, which later it progressed into cancer perforation of the colon. The initial colonoscopic findings were normal and computed tomography scan demonstrated a segmental wall thickening of the distal ascending colon with nonspecific multiple small lymphnodes, along the ileocolic vessels, but no signs of mass or obstruction. The histologic findings of resected specimen confirmed EATL type II. Patient expired two weeks after the operation. Therefore, we emphasize the need of random biopsy in the presence of normal mucosa appearance on colonoscopy for the early diagnosis of EATL.

Synchronous adenocarcinoma and extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma of the colon:A case report and literature review

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma(ENKTL) is a distinct subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and is rare in the colon.Synchronous adenocarcinoma and ENKTL of the colon has not been reported in the literature.In the present study,we report a 63-year-old male who suffered from intermittent bloody stools for 2 mo.He did not have fever,body weight loss or night sweat.Endoscopic and imaging studies revealed a 4.5-cm ulcerative mass in the ascending colon and a 3.0-cm polypoid,easy bleeding mass in the sigmoid colon,respectively.Thought to have double carcinoma of the colon,he received simultaneous right hemicolectomy and sigmoidectomy.The pathological diagnosis was a synchronous ENKTL(ascending colon) and adenocarcinoma(sigmoid colon).The literature on synchronous adenocarcinoma and malignant lymphoma of the colon was also reviewed.

miRNA-155 Modulates the Malignant Biological Characteristics of NK/T-Cell Lymphoma Cells by Targeting FOXO3a Gene

This study investigated the effects of miRNA-155 on malignant biological characteristics of NK/T-cell lymphoma cell lines and the possible mechanism. The expression of miRNA-155 was detected in lymphoma cell lines from different sources （SNK-6, YTS, Jurkat and DOHH2） by real-time PCR. Lentiviral vectors （pLL3.7） that could overexpress or downexpress miRNA-155 were constructed. Recombinant lentiviral particles were prepared and purified, and their titers determined. The expression of miRNA-155 in the infected SNK-6 cells and the cell proliferation were detected by PCR and CCK-8, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to determine the apoptosis of infected SNK-6 cells. The target of miRNA155 was predicted from Targetscan website. The effect of miRNA155 on FOXO3a expression was examined by Western blotting. The results showed that among the human NK/T-cell lymphoma cell lines SNK-6, YTS, Jurkat and DOHH2, the expression of miRNA-155 was highest in SNK-6. The infection efficiency of the recombinant lentivirns in SNK-6 was more than 70% at multiplicity of infection （MOI） of 100. The expression of miRNA-155 was significantly increased in SNK-6 cells infected by lentivirus vectors with high expression of miRNA-155 （4 times higher than the control group）, and profoundly decreased in those infected with lentivirnses with low expression of miRNA-155. The proliferation of letivirns-infected SNK-6 cells was decreased as the expression of miRNA-155 reduced. The apoptosis rate was increased with the reduction in the expression of miRNA-155. FOXO3a was found to be a possible target of miRNA155, as suggested by Targetscan website. Western blotting showed that the expression of FOXO3a was significantly elevated in SNK-6 cells with miRNA-155 inhibition. It was concluded that reduction in miRNA-155 expression can inhibit the proliferation of SNK-6 lymphoma cells and promote their apoptosis, which may be associated with regulation of FOXO3a gene.

Gastrosplenic fistula occurring in lymphoma patients: Systematic review with a new case of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma

AIM To provide the overall spectrum of gastrosplenic fistula(GSF) occurring in lymphomas through a systematic review including a patient at our hospital.METHODS A comprehensive literature search was performed in the MEDLINE database to identify studies of GSF occurring in lymphomas. A computerized search of our institutional database was also performed. In all cases, we analyzed the clinicopathologic/radiologic features, treatment and outcome of GSF occurring in lymphomas. RESULTS A literature search identified 25 relevant studies with 26 patients. Our institutional data search added 1 patient. Systematic review of the total 27 cases revealed that GSF occurred mainly in diffuse, large B-cell lymphoma(n = 23), but also in diffuse, histiocytic lymphoma(n = 1), Hodgkin's lymphoma(n = 2), and NK/T-cell lymphoma(n = 1, our patient). The common clinical presentations are constitutional symptoms(n = 20) and abdominal pain(n = 17), although acute gastrointestinal bleeding(n = 6) and infection symptoms due to splenic abscess(n = 3) are also noted. In all patients, computed tomography scanning was very helpful for diagnosing GSF and for evaluating the lymphoma extent. GSF could occur either post-chemotherapy(n = 10) or spontaneously(n = 17). Surgical resection has been the most common treatment. Once patients have recovered from the acute illness status after undergoing surgery, their long-term outcome has been favorable. CONCLUSION This systematic review provides an overview of GSF occurring in lymphomas, and will be helpful in making physicians aware of this rare disease entity.

Clinical Impact of t(14;18) in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

Objective： Recent studies have suggested that t（14;18） is present in a significant proportion of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas （DLBCLs）. However, the prognostic significance of this translocation and its relationship with BCL-2 protein expression remains controversial. Our study aimed to investigate the predictive power of t（14;18） and BCL-2 protein expression in the prognosis of DLBCLs. Methods： Biopsy specimens from 106 DLBCLs were analyzed using interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization （FISH）. Immunophenotypic analysis of CD20, CD3, CD10, BCL-6, MUM1 and BCL-2 was performed by immunohistochemistry. SPSS 13.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results： The t（14;18） was identified in 27 of 106 cases （25.5%）. The percentages of tumor cells expressing CD10, BCL-6, MUM1 and BCL-2 were 21.7%, 26.4%, 56.6% and 73.6%, respectively. The presence of this translocation was significantly correlated with the expression of CD10 and immunophenotypic subtype （p0.001）. No association was observed between BCL-2 protein expression and the presence of t（14;18）. Multivariate analysis confirmed that both t（14;18） and BCL-2 expression were significantly associated with survival. Moreover, patients with t（14;18） had worse prognosis, compared with those with BCL-2 expression （for overall survival： hazard ratio, 4.235; 95%CI, 2.153-8.329, p0.001 vs. hazard ration, 2.743; 95%CI, 1.262-5.962, p=0.011）. Conclusions： The t（14;18） is a useful prognostic tool for the evaluation of DLBCL immunophenotype and prognosis. The prognosis of GCB （germinal centre-like B cell） DLBCL patients should be made with the consideration of the presence of this translocation, and the detection of t（14;18） should be included as a routine diagnostic test in these cases.

Updating targets for natural killer/T-cell lymphoma immunotherapy

Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma(NKTCL)is a highly invasive subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma,typically positive for cytoplasmic CD3,CD56,cytotoxic markers,including granzyme B and TIA1,and Epstein-Barr virus(EBV).The current treatment methods for NKTCL are associated with several drawbacks.For example,chemotherapy can lead to drug resistance,while treatment with radiotherapy alone is inadequate and results in frequent relapses.Moreover,hematopoietic stem cell transplantation exhibits limited efficacy and is not well recognized by domestic and foreign experts.In recent years,immunotherapy has shown good clinical results and has become a hot spot in cancer research.Clinical activity of targeted antibodies,such as daratumumab(anti-CD38 antibody)and brentuximab vedotin(anti-CD30 antibody),have been reported in NKTCL.Additionally,dacetuzumab and Campath-1 H have demonstrated promising results.Further encouraging data have been obtained using checkpoint inhibitors.The success of these immunotherapy agents is attributed to high expression levels of programmed death-ligand 1 in NKTCL.Furthermore,anti-CCR4 monoclonal antibodies(m Abs)exert cytotoxic actions on both CCR4+tumor cells and regulatory T cells.Depletion of these cells and the long half-life of anti-CCR4 m Abs result in enhanced induction of antitumor effector T cells.The role of IL10 in NKTCL has also been investigated.It has been proposed that exploitation of this cytokine might provide potential novel therapeutic strategies.Cellular immunotherapy with engineered cytotoxic T lymphocytes targeted against LMP1 and LMP2 has shown promising results and sustained remission.Cellular immunotherapy may be used either as maintenance therapy following initial induction chemotherapy or in cases of relapsed/refractory disease.The present review outlines the known immunotherapy targets for the treatment of NKTCL.

Primary Testicular NK/T-Cell Lymphoma:A Study of Two Cases and Review of Literature

Primary testicular NK/T-cell lymphoma is an extremely rare entity progressed rapidly.The aim of this study was to examine clinical and pathological features of primary testicular NK/T-cell lymphoma and to investigate the effective diagnosis and prognosis.In this paper,the two cases of primary testicular NK/T-cell lymphoma were observed by light microscopy,immunohistochemistry and examined by in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr Virus（EBV） DNA and the literatures were reviewed.The two patients respectively present with bilateral and right-side painless testicular enlargement.The morphology of neoplastic cells of case 1 were small to medium,tumor cells of case 2 were small,medium and large mixed.The tumor cells grew diffusely with irregular and distort nuclear,destructed the organizational structure of the normal testis,and damaged blood vessels,meanwhile,coagulation necrosis was exist.Immunohistochemical staining of neoplastic cells showed positive for CD45,CD2,CD56,CD3ε（cytoplasm staining pattern）,CD45RO and Granzyme B,and negative for CD57,CD20,CD79α,CD30,CK,MPO,TdT,Bcl-2 and PLAP were negative.In addition,the EBV DNA was detected in the lymphoma by In situ hybridization.In conclusion,the expression of CD56,CD3ε,and Granzyme B associated proteins and EBV examination by in situ hybridization play a vital role in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of primary testicular NK/T-cell lymphoma.

Acute liver failure as a rare initial manifestation of peripheral T-cell lymphoma

Acute liver failure(ALF) is an uncommon disease in the United States,affecting more than 2 000 people each year.Of all the various causes,malignant infiltration is one of the least well known and carries with it a high mortality.We describe a case of ALF as the presenting manifestation of peripheral T-cell lymphoma in an elderly woman.By reporting this case,we hope to increase early recognition of this disease process in order to potentially improve treatment outcomes.

T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma in a child:A case report and review of literature

T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma is uncommon in children population. There were few cases reported in the literature with wide range clinical presentations including advanced stage, and more involvement of liver, spleen and bone marrow. Head and neck lymphadenopathy tends to present in younger children. We report a case of 10-year-old boy who initially presented intermittent fever, headaches and neck lymphadenopathy. Subsequently, he developed diffuse lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma was diagnosed on a cervical lymph node biopsy. Cervical lymphadenopathy in this age group is most commonly reactive or nonmalignant processes. Lymphoma is much less frequent; mainly are non-Hodgkin lymphomas. However, a subset of large B-cell lymphoma called T-cell/histiocyte-rich B-cell lymphoma is rare in children.

The prognostic potential of pretreatment C-reactive protein to albumin ratio in stage IE/IIE extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of the C-reactive protein-toalbumin ratio (CRP/Alb) for stage IE/IIE upper aerodigestive tract extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma patients. Methods One hundred and fourteen patients diagnosed with extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma at Sichuan Cancer Hospital from September 2011 to November 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. An optimal cutoff value of CRP/Alb for overall survival rate as an endpoint was obtained using the receiver operating curve (ROC). Results The optimal cutoff value of CRP/Alb was 0.15. For the low CRP/Alb group, the 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 78.6% and the 3-year overall survival (OS) was 80.7%. The 3-year PFS and OS values for the high CRP/Alb group were 41.6% and 45.2%, respectively. Differences for PFS (P < 0.001) and OS (P < 0.001) between the two groups were statistically significant. Univariate analysis showed that ECOG, IPI, CRP, GPS, and CRP/Alb were significantly associated with PFS. Similarly, all five were also significantly associated with OS. Multivariate analysis further confirmed that ECOG and CRP/ Alb were independent prognostic factors for both PFS and OS. Moreover, the cutoff value of CRP/Alb showed superior prognostic ability in discriminating between patients with different outcomes in low-risk group based on GPS, IPI, and KPI scores. Conclusion CRP/Alb is a promising prognostic marker for early-stage extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma.

Primary duodenal NK/T-cell lymphoma with massive bleeding: A case report

Primary natural killer/T-cell(NK/T-cell) lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract is a very rare disease with a poor prognosis, and the duodenum is quite extraordinary as a primary lesion site. Here, we describe a unique case of a primary duodenal NK/T-cell lymphoma in a 26-year-old man who presented with abdominal painand weight loss. Abdominal computed tomography scan demonstrated a hypodense tumor in the duodenum. Because of massive upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding during hospitalization, the patient was examined by emergency upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Under endoscopy, an irregular ulcer with mucosal edema, destruction, necrosis, a hyperplastic nodule and active bleeding was observed on the duodenal posterior wall. Following endoscopic hemostasis, a biopsy was obtained for pathological evaluation. The lesion was subsequently confirmed to be a duodenal NK/T-cell lymphoma. The presenting symptoms of primary duodenal NK-/T-cell lymphoma in this patient were abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding, and endoscopy was important for diagnosis. Despite aggressive treatments, the prognosis was very poor.

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma(nasal type) presenting as a perianal abscess: A case report

BACKGROUND Extranodal natural killer(NK) T-cell lymphoma(ENKTL), nasal type is a rare subtype of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by vascular damage and necrosis. The lesions usually present in the nasal cavity and adjacent tissues, however, the disease originates from the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract in 25% of cases. Since rectal involvement in ENKTL is rare, rectal symptoms in the course of ENKTL are often misdiagnosed and considered to be related to benign diseases such as rectal fistula or perianal abscess.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 24-year-old Han Chinese female who initially presented with a perianal abscess that was subsequently diagnosed as nasal type ENKTL.Due to typical perianal pain, perianal abscess was diagnosed and surgical incision and drainage were performed. After recurrent, severe anal hemorrhages leading to hypovolemic shock and multiple surgeries, a diagnosis of ENKTL was made. The patient's condition gradually deteriorated, and she died shortly after initiation of chemotherapy.CONCLUSION Systemic and neoplastic diseases should be included in the differential diagnosis of any potentially benign perianal abscess complicated with recurrent hemorrhages.

Clonal immunoglobulin heavy chain and T-cell receptor γ gene rearrangements in primary gastric lymphoma

AIM:To study the diagnostic value of immunoglobulin heavy chain(IgH)and T-cell receptorγ (TCR-γ)gene monoclonal rearrangements in primary gastric lymphoma(PGL).METHODS:A total of 48 patients with suspected PGL at our hospital were prospectively enrolled in this study from January 2009 to December 2011.The patients were divided into three groups(a PGL group,a gastric linitis plastica group,and a benign gastric ulcer group)based on the pathological results(gastric mucosal specimens obtained by endoscopy or surgery)and follow-up.Endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)and EUSguided biopsy were performed in all the patients.The tissue specimens were used for histopathological examination and for IgH and TCR-γ gene rearrangement polymerase chain reaction analyses.RESULTS:EUS and EUS-guided biopsy were successfully performed in all 48 patients.In the PGL group(n=21),monoclonal IgH gene rearrangements were detected in 14(66.7%)patients.A positive result for each set of primers was found in 12(57.1%),8(38.1%),and 4(19.0%)cases using FR1/JH,FR2/JH,and FR3/JH primers,respectively.Overall,12(75%)patients with mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma(n=16)and 2(40%)patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(n=5)were positive for monoclonal IgH gene rearrangements.No patients in the gastric linitis plastica group(n=17)and only one(10%)patient in the benign gastric ulcer group(n=10)were positive for a monoclonal IgH gene rearrangement.No TCRgene monoclonal rearrangements were detected.The sensitivity of monoclonal IgH gene rearrangements was 66.7%for a PGL diagnosis,and the specificity was96.4%.In the PGL group,8(100%)patients with stage IIE PGL(n=8)and 6(46.1%)patients with stage IE PGL(n=13)were positive for monoclonal IgH gene rearrangements.CONCLUSION:IgH gene rearrangements may be associated with PGL staging and may be useful for the diagnosis of PGL and for differentiating between PGL and gastric linitis plastica.

Rothmund-thomson syndrome and cutan T-cell lymphoma in childhood

We report a 3-year-old girl suffering from RothmundThomson Syndrome (RTS). The patient at birth had multiplex anomalies: poikilodermatous rash, sceletal abnormalities: palatoschisis, micrognathi, aplasia radii, hypoplastic right and left thenar and thumbs, pesequinus on both site, ectopy renis. The patient in the later ages was detected dental malformation, facial dysmorfism. At the age 3, she had lasion in her muscle. After biopsy, histological examination showed cutan T-cell lymphoma. The patient is the first case who had cutan T-cell lymphoma associated with RTS in this young age.

Low Dose Total Skin Electron Beam Radiation in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Review

The treatment of advanced stage MF is especially challenging as single agent overall response rates are in the 35% range and chronic recurrence is the rule. The treatment of CTCL across all stages of disease is aimed at the goal of achieving and sustaining remission. Increasingly, low dose total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT) is being utilized as a skin directed component in combination therapy for advanced stage CTCL. Researchers are seeking to better define the utility of low dose TSEBT as a method of debulking skin disease while simultaneously treating other disease compartments and in combination with sustained maintenance therapies of both the skin directed and systemic varieties. Data exists showing the efficacy of low dose TSEBT in early and advanced disease. There is also data documenting prolonged treatment responses with TSEBT plus adjuvant skin directed therapies such as PUVA and topical nitrogen mustard. Emerging data examining the role of low dose TSEBT in the prestem cell transplant preparation is also promising. This brief review summarizes the utility of low dose TSEBT in multiagent treatment regimens in CTCL.

T-CELL RECEPTOR GENE REARRANGEMENT ANALYSIS IN THE PRIMARY CUTANEOUS T-CELL LYMPHOMA

Object: The present paper is to evaluate the significance of T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrange ments in primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas (PCTCL) as detected by analysis of Southern Blot (SBA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Patients and Methods: Skin specimens and peripheral blood samples were taken from 44 patients with PCTCL, including 30 patients with mycosis fungoides (MF), 2 patients with Sezary's syndrome (SS), and 12 patients with PCTCL other than MF and SS (PNCTCL). 11 patients with a presumptive diagnosis of MF, 23 patients with lymphoproliferative dermatoses including lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) and 8 patients with benign cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates were simultaneously studied by the amplification of junctional V (variable) J (joining) sequences of the rearranged TCRγ genes by PCR(TCRγPCR) and the analysis of TCRb chain genes by SBA(TCRβSBA) for detection of clonal gene rearrangements (GR). One lymph node specimen of a case with MF IIA was also detected by TCRγ PCR and TCRβSBA. Results: In MF, GR were detected by TCRγPCR and TCRβSBAb in 83.3 85.7% and 66.7% 71.4% of skin specimens of cases IIA IIB and in 57.1% 70.0% and 14.3% 10.0% of those of cases IA IB, respectively. GR were seen in 66.7% 71.4% and 33.3% 43.0.% of blood samples of cases IIA IIB, and 42.9% 40.0% and 0 10.0% of those of cases IA IB, respectively. GR was confirmed by TCRγ PCR and TCRβSBA in one lymph node showing dermato pathic lymphadenopathy of a case with MF IIA. In 11 patients of clinically suspected MF, GR were present in skin specimens of 5 cases (45.4%) and in blood samples of 3 cases ( 27.3% ) by TCRγ PCR. In PNCTCL, GR were found in 9 skin specimens (90.0%) from 10 patients detected by TCRγ PCR and in 6 skin specimens (75.0%) from 8 patients detected by TCRβSBA. GR were also seen in 6 blood samples (72.8%) from 11 patients detected by TCRγ PCR, and in 7 blood samples (70.0%) from 10 patients by TCRβSBA. In SS and LyP, GR were detected by TCRγ PCR and TCRβSBA in each of the two skin specimens of two cases with LyP and in each of the two blood samples of two cases with SS. GR were seen in one skin specimen of one case with SS and one blood sample of one case with LyP detected by TCRγPCR. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that TCRγ PCR is a rapid, more sensitive tool than TCRβSBA, can be used in the analysis of T cell clonality in skin, lymph node and blood samples of patients with PCTCL and indicated that this method forms a useful supplement to other methods for diagnosis of early and suspected MF, confirmation of PNCTCL and determination of extracutaneous involvement of lymph node and blood.

Primary hepatic peripheral T-cell lymphoma associated with Epstein-Barr viral infection

Primary hepatic peripheral T-cell lymphoma(H-PTCL) is one of the rarest forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. We report a patient who presented with worsening jaundice, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Laboratory values were significant for elevated total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and liver aminotransferases. Following a liver biopsy, histopathology revealed several large dense clusters of atypical T-lymphocytes which were CD2+, CD3+, CD5+, CD7-, CD4+, CD8-, CD56-, CD57-, CD30+ by immunohistochemistry. The proliferation index was approximately 70% by labeling for ki67/mib1. The above histological profile was consistent with peripheral T-cell lymphoma of the liver. Epstein-Barr viral serology indicated a remote infection, a likely risk factor for PTCL. Bone marrow biopsy was negative for malignancy, further supporting hepatic origin.

THE DETECTION OF CD56 AND EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS IN T-CELL LYMPHOMAS

Objective: To study the relationship between EBV infection and the expression of CD56 in T cell lymphomas (TCLs). Methods: 46 cases of TCLs and 15 cases of reactive hyperplasia of lymphonodes (RHs) were detected CD56 by immunohistochemistry and EBERs by in situ hybridization. Results: 8 cases of 46 TCLs (17.4%) showed CD56 positive. On sites, CD56 positive rate of nasopharyngeal TCLs was highest (5/17, 29.4%), and on subtypes, that of DLs was highest (6/16, 37.5%). Additionally, 4 RHs were also CD56 positive. Of 46 TCLs, 24 showed expression of EBERs. There were only 4 TCLs expressing both CD56 and EBERs. Conclusion: The expression of CD56 was not especially for TCLs that EBV infected. EBV infection was not related with CD56 positive TCLs. The findings also suggested the expression of CD56 in TCLs be possibly related to original sites and subtypes of TCLs.