Three Rwandan Children With Massive Splenomegaly and Epstein-Barr Virus-associated Lymphoproliferative Disorders: Case Presentations and the Literature Review

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2016 Jul;38(5):e158-61. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000000561.

Abstract

This report describes 3 Rwandan children with massive splenomegaly and pancytopenia who underwent splenectomy. Each was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (EBV LPD) based on lymphocyte morphology, lymphocyte immunophenotype, and the results of EBV in situ hybridization studies. The differential diagnosis of splenomegaly, with a special emphasis on the sub-Saharan African context, is discussed along with EBV and associated disorders. These cases serve as a call to consider EBV LPD in the differential diagnosis of splenomegaly in children in whom common causes have been ruled out.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / diagnosis
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / complications*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / diagnosis
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / virology
  • Male
  • Palliative Care / methods
  • Pancytopenia
  • Rwanda
  • Splenectomy
  • Splenomegaly / diagnosis*
  • Splenomegaly / etiology
  • Splenomegaly / surgery