T‐cell post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders after cardiac transplantation: a single institutional experience

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Abstract
Summary: Post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are a well‐recognized and potentially life‐threatening complication of solid organ transplantation. While the vast majority of PTLDs are B‐cell lymphoproliferations, T‐cell PTLDs are rarely seen. Among 898 patients receiving cardiac transplants between 1990 and 2003, 34 patients (3·8%) developed PTLDs with two (0·2%) T‐cell PTLDs, 31 (3·5%) B‐cell PTLDs and one (0·1%) natural killer cell PTLD. An additional three cases of T‐cell PTLD were identified among all cardiac transplant patients followed at our institution. These T‐cell PTLDs comprised a heterogeneous group of Epstein–Barr virus negative lymphoproliferations that developed late after transplantation and followed an aggressive course.