Polyclonal B cell hyperplasia associated with Epstein-Barr virus causing acute renal allograft failure
Ludwin, D.; Quinonez, G.; Chernesky, M.A.; Kay, J.M.; Ali, M.A.; Smith, E.K.; Manning, R.F.
Clinical Nephrology 24(3): 151-154
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-0430 PMID: 2994928 Document Number: 247112
Six weeks post cadaver renal transplantation, a patient developed a flu-like illness. Acute renal failure unresponsive to anti-rejection therapy occurred and he died four days later from Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and Streptococcus viridans septicemia. Autopsy revealed a diffuse polymorphic polyclonal B cell infiltrate occupying most organs, including the allograft. Primary Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection was established by 1) rising anti-EBV antibody titres; 2) the demonstration of EBV nuclear antigen in the infiltrate and 3) the presence of EBV specific DNA sequences in affected tissues. EBV associated polymorphic B cell hyperplasia can mimic rejection and result in acute allograft failure.