Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disease involving the pituitary gland

Hum Pathol. 2010 Nov;41(11):1641-5. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2010.02.015. Epub 2010 Jul 24.

Abstract

Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are heterogeneous lesions with variable morphology, immunophenotype, and molecular characteristics. Multiple distinct primary lesions can occur in PTLD, rarely with both B-cell and T-cell characteristics. Lesions can involve both grafted organs and other sites; however, PTLD involving the pituitary gland has not been previously reported. We describe a patient who developed Epstein-Barr virus-negative PTLD 13 years posttransplantation involving the terminal ileum and pituitary, which was simultaneously involved by a pituitary adenoma. Immunohistochemistry of the pituitary lesion showed expression of CD79a, CD3, and CD7 with clonal rearrangements of both T-cell receptor gamma chain (TRG@) and immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH@) genes. The terminal ileal lesion was immunophenotypically and molecularly distinct. This is the first report of pituitary PTLD and illustrates the potentially complex nature of PTLD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / genetics
  • Adenoma / metabolism
  • Adenoma / pathology
  • Adult
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • Clone Cells
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Heavy Chain
  • Gene Rearrangement, gamma-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor
  • Humans
  • Ileum / pathology
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / genetics
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lung Transplantation*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / etiology*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / genetics
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / pathology
  • Pituitary Diseases / etiology*
  • Pituitary Diseases / genetics
  • Pituitary Diseases / pathology
  • Pituitary Gland / metabolism
  • Pituitary Gland / pathology*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / genetics
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / pathology
  • Postoperative Complications*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains