Abstract
We presented the case of a 65-year-old Japanese man, diagnosed with senile EBV-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder, whose chief complaint was multiple skin nodules and tumors. Histological findings showed massive infiltration with extensive necrosis in the lower dermis and subcutaneous fat, which was composed of large and small lymphoid cells. The large atypical cells were immunohistochemically positive for CD20, CD79a and CD30 and were also positive for nuclear signals of EBERs using in situ hybridization studies. Rearrangement of immunoglobulin H chain was noted by Southern blot hybridization studies. Further examination revealed swollen lymph nodes in the abdomen and axillar region, a high level of sIL-2R and depressed cellular immunity. Rituximab-CHOP chemotherapy was effective for the skin lesions and lymph nodes; however, repeated opportunistic infections retarded the therapy, so that the skin lesions often relapsed. The patient reached complete remission and was discharged after the admission period of 1 year and 5 months. [Skin Cancer (Japan) 2006; 21: 354-358]
