Epstein–Barr Virus Mucocutaneous Ulcer: An Unexpected Diagnosis of a New Entity

Abstract

Epstein–Barr virus mucocutaneous ulcer (EBVMCU) is a new entity, only recently included in World Health Organisation classification of lymphoid neoplasms. Almost all cases described to date have been in patients with a predisposing risk factor of immunosuppression. This case presents a 21-year-old male admitted with tonsillitis and no overt immunosuppression, who is subsequently diagnosed with EBVMCU of likely iatrogenic origin.

Diagnostic utility of cytology in a patient with Epstein‐Barr virus‐positive mucocutaneous ulcer in palatine tonsils: A case report

“…Howden et al . suggested that EBV‐positive DLBCL was usually associated with mass lesions and only large cells in DLBCL were EBER‐positive, whereas cells of various sizes in EBVMCU were EBER‐positive 10 . It should be noted that immunoglobin heavy chain gene rearrangement alone does not prove to be neoplastic 2,8 .…”

“…9 Howden et al suggested that EBV-positive DLBCL was usually associated with mass lesions and only large cells in DLBCL were EBER-positive, whereas cells of various sizes in EBVMCU were EBER-positive. 10 It should be noted that immunoglobin heavy chain gene rearrangement alone does not prove to be neoplastic. 2,8 Since there are no established diagnostic criteria based only on the morphopathological features of EBVMCU, the clinical presentation (e.g., medical history, gross findings, location, and absence of mass lesions) is very important.…”