Extremely delayed-onset post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in a renal transplant patient

Abstract

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a rare condition that occurs in patients who have undergone solid organ transplantation. Symptoms at presentation depend on the organs involved. PTLD most commonly occurs in the first year after transplant (early onset) or around 5 years after transplant (late onset). Herein, we report a rare presentation of central nervous system PTLD in an adult who presented with seizures 17 years after renal transplantation. After extensive infectious and transplant-related workup, brain biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PTLD. The patient was treated with rituximab and high-dose methotrexate. Eighteen months later, the patient had no signs of recurrence. Very late-onset (>10 years) PTLD is rare, but is likely to become more common with more long-term survivors of solid organ transplant. Data are limited but show that the factors associated with very late-onset PTLD are different from early or late-onset PTLD.