Recurrent Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell (CD30+) Lymphoma Associated With Epstein-Barr Virus

CD30-positive large cell cutaneous T-cell lymphomas are known to be associated with the human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus type I. We present a case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma that recurred three times during 9 years at different sites. Molecular studies [polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in situ hybridization] showed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome in biopsy samples of this first reported case of EBV-associated cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma. This case was human T-lymphotropic virus-1 and -2 negative by PCR. The results add some evidence to the hypothesis that EBV may be a factor in the pathogenesis of cutaneous lymphoproliferative lesions.