[452] No Evidence of Epstein-Barr Virus Association with Angioleiomyomas, Pilar Leiomyomas or Cutaneous Leiomyosarcomas in Immunocompetent Individuals

MP Fernandez, TL Davis. University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX; South Texas Dermatopathology Laboratory, San Antonio, TX

Background: Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumors (EBV-SMT) represent a distinct and rare subset of smooth muscle neoplasms occurring in immunocompromised individuals, typically at visceral sites. Some of these tumors demonstrate a close relationship to small vessel walls, suggesting these structures may be the site of origin. Angioleiomyomas are common tumors that arise from the smooth muscle cells of vessel walls, and involve the subcutaneous tissue and dermis.
Design: This study was carried out to assess the potential association of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in a spectrum of cutaneous and subcutaneous smooth muscle tumors in immunocompetent individuals. Tissue sections from 20 smooth muscle tumors (12 angioleiomyomas, 3 pilar leiomyomas, 1 cutaneous myopericitoma and 4 primary cutaneous leiomyoscarcomas) were studied by in-situ hybridization for EBV-encoded early RNA's (EBER). Each case was also evaluated for the presence of primitive round cell areas and presence of infiltrating lymphocytes, features characteristic of EBV-SMT.
Results: The histopathology of the 20 cutaneous and subcutaneous smooth muscle tumors showed diagnostic features on all cases. All twenty smooth muscle tumors were negative for EBER. Positive and negative controls were satisfactory. Only one case, the cutaneous myopericytoma, showed areas of round cells with a primitive appearance; none of the tumors contained infiltrating lymphocytes.
Conclusions: The absence of EBER in the 20 cases of cutaneous and subcutaneous smooth muscle tumors tested in this study provides further evidence to support to the notion that EBV-SMT arise only in the setting of immunodeficiency.
Category: Dermatopathology

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 1:00 PM

Poster Session IV # 62, Tuesday Afternoon