Epstein–Barr virus and methotrexate-related CNS lymphoma in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially those treated with methotrexate (MTX), might have an increased risk of lymphoproliferative disorders that are associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). We describe a case of EBV-associated central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) in a patient with RA on a short course of MTX treatment. The neoplastic cells express the B-cell surface markers (CD20, Pax-5 and CD30), and EBV-encoded RNA was demonstrated by in situ hybridization. The patient's lymphoma did not recur for the 8-year follow-up period after the tumor resection and cessation of MTX. MTX may promote EBV-positive CNS lymphoma in RA patient due to its immunosuppressive properties as well as reactivating latent EBV infection.