Epstein-Barr virus-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the elderly: 2 cases report and review of the literature

Abstract

Objective To study the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the elderly and explore its clinical characteristics. Methods The clinical manifestation,laboratory examination and treatment of two cases of EBV positive DLBCL of elderly were lescribed.Results EBV positive DLBCL of elderly onset was often between 70-79 years,usually presented with lymphadenopathy and may be extranodal,may present with massive splenomegaly,secondary immune hemolytic anemia and often had B symptom.Pathologically,this disease was characterized by a proliferation of atypical large B cells with rich reactive cells,especially T cell.Conclusion Immunohistochemically,the tumor cells of EBV positive DLBCL of elderly present with CD20 or CD79a,EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) positive.This disease has aggressive clinical course,a poor response to standard treatment.Rituximab may be effective in a short periods,but the long effect is limited.Overall survival is short.The cause of death is mainly respiratory failure due to factor infection. Key words: Lymphoma, large-cell, diffuse; Herpesvius 4, human; Splenomegaly; Respiratory insufficiency