Herpes simplex infection simulating Richter transformation: a series of four cases and review of the literature

Alireza Salem, Sanam Loghavi, Joseph D. Khoury, Rose Lou Marie C. Agbay, Jeffrey L. Jorgensen, L. Jeffrey Medeiros

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aims: Richter transformation (RT) occurs in 5–10% of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), and is associated with a poor outcome. The histological manifestations of RT are variable, and include an increase in the proportion of prolymphocytes, immunoblasts, and other pleomorphic cells, along with an increased proliferation rate and often necrosis. Rarely, superimposed herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection involving lymph nodes in patients with CLL/SLL may mimic RT clinically and histologically. In this study, we describe four cases of CLL/SLL with superimposed HSV lymphadenitis, and we review the literature. Methods and results: We describe the clinicopathological and immunophenotypic findings of four cases of CLL/SLL with superimposed HSV infection. The patients presented with B-type symptoms, and laboratory and imaging findings suggested progression of lymphoma. Histologically, there were geographical areas of necrosis and increased numbers of prolymphocytes and immunoblasts, in some areas forming sheets, with increased mitotic figures and a high proliferation (Ki67) rate. However, the necrotic regions were associated with acute inflammatory cells and larger cells, mostly necrotic, showing viral cytopathic effects. Therapy with antiviral agents resulted in improvement of clinical symptoms and laboratory and imaging findings. Additionally, we identified 11 cases of CLL/SLL with superimposed HSV infection described in the English-language literature, and integrated the cases that we report here into this wider context. Conclusions: Herpes simplex virus infection of lymph nodes in patients with CLL/SLL results in clinicopathological and radiological findings that may mimic RT. It is essential to refrain from misclassifying these cases as RT, as patients can respond remarkably well to antiviral therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)821-831
Number of pages11
JournalHistopathology
Volume70
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • CLL/SLL
  • herpes
  • Richter
  • Transformation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Histology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Herpes simplex infection simulating Richter transformation: a series of four cases and review of the literature'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this