Atypical human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type‐I‐associated T‐cell lymphoma in a low‐prevalence alaska native population. Implications for Disease Surveillance

Michael Davidson, Rita M. Braziel, Michael D. Lairmore, Steven Jacobson, James M. Sprott, Steven B. Tucker, Paul H. Levine, Jonathan E. Kaplan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

An atypical case of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) associated with human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV‐I) occurred in a 46‐year‐old Inupiat Eskimo man with no behavioral risk factors for HTLV‐I infection. The case was characterized by lack of atypical circulating lymphocytes, hypercalcemia, and opportunistic infections; and by complete remission of the initial renal parenchymal lymphoma. The lymphoma cells had a helper T‐cell (CD4) immunophenotype. Serum antibodies to HTLV I/II, detected by Western immunoblot, were identified in specimens collected 31 months before the onset of illness, at the time of diagnosis, and up to 37 months later, shortly before the patient's death. Polymerase chain reaction was used to identify HTLV‐I DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in lymphoma in involved skin. Clinicians should be alert to sporadic cases of both atypical and classic ATL, even in populations in which the prevalence of HTLV‐I infection is low.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4072-4076
Number of pages5
JournalCancer
Volume71
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 15 1993

Keywords

  • Alaska Native
  • Eskimo
  • adult T‐cell lymphoma/leukemia
  • human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV‐I)
  • lymphoma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Atypical human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type‐I‐associated T‐cell lymphoma in a low‐prevalence alaska native population. Implications for Disease Surveillance'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this