Outbreak of Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD) in a Single Center / 대한이식학회지

ABSTRACT

Post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is a serious complication after renal transplantation. Although the precise etiology is unknown, the Ebstein-Bar virus and immunosuppressive agents appear to be risk factors. The presentation of PTLD is diverse. Many patients develop symptoms in head and neck, which make diagnosis difficult. We experienced 3 cases of PTLD successively one or three months apart during year 2002. Before 2002, PTLD was very rare in our center. The incidence of PTLD in renal transplants in our center is 0.7% (5 out of 752), which is similar to that of other reports. But the incidence is very high during year 2002. This seems to be intensified immunosuppression recently adopted. EBV monitoring is necessary for early detection of PTLD in renal transplants.