Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a rare complication of solid organ transplantation as the result of immunosuppressant medications. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been implicated in most of these cases, specifically with B-cell predominant lymphoma. This case report describes a 24-year-old female who presented with recurrent GI bleed within 6 months post-orthostatic heart transplant. Endoscopic evaluations including video capsule study, push enteroscopy, and colonoscopy revealed multiple ulcerated lesions in duodenum, jejunum, and colon secondary to Epstein-Barr Virus-associated monomorphic PTLD. Despite continuation of rituximab after discharge, she returned to the hospital for recurrent GI bleed requiring additional endoscopic intervention. PTLD is a devastating disease of the post-transplant population. Due to a high risk of recurrent GI bleeding, patients with PTLD may benefit from careful monitoring by gastroenterology as an outpatient with a low threshold for repeat endoscopic evaluation despite being on immunotherapy or chemotherapy.
Keywords: Epstein–Barr virus; Orthotopic heart transplant; Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder; Recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding; Rituximab.
© 2022. Japanese Society of Gastroenterology.