Epstein–Barr virus‐related lymphoproliferative disorder, cytomegalovirus reactivation, and varicella zoster virus encephalitis during treatment of medulloblastoma

The case of a 14‐year‐old girl who developed Epstein–Barr virus‐related lymphoproliferative disorder, cytomegalovirus reactivation, and Varicella zoster virus encephalitis during treatment for medulloblastoma is described. The patient was diagnosed with a cerebral medulloblastoma and treated with systemic chemotherapy, intrathecal chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Six months later, she developed persistent low‐grade fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Several mucosal or ulcerated lesions of the stomach and colon were found on fiberscopy. The infiltrating cells were positive for CD20 and EBER1, and the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorder was made. CMV antigen was found in the peripheral lymphocytes at that time. At the same time, it was noted that the patient's language was inappropriate for her age, and a facial and abdominal rash, as well as a right facial palsy, had developed. She was then diagnosed as having VZV encephalitis, because VZV was detected in the CSF. She was treated subsequently with acyclovir and oral steroid, and the VZV encephalitis resolved. The lymphoproliferative disorder improved gradually with rituximab, ganciclovir, and total nutritional support. At the time of the development of the lymphoproliferative disorder and VZV encephalitis, the patient had severe lymphopenia and this may have caused these rare phenomena in a non‐transplant setting. J. Med. Virol. 83:1582–1584, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.