Open AccessEpstein–Barr virus-positive ulcer in the oral cavity
Author(s) -
José David Ramos-Baena,
Luís Fernando Jacinto-Alemán,
Elba Rosa Leyva-Huerta,
Javier PortillaRobertson
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of oral and maxillofacial pathology/journal of oral and maxillofacial pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.455
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 1998-393X
pISSN - 0973-029X
DOI - 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_26_19
Subject(s) - medicine , pathology , herpes simplex virus , epstein–barr virus , tongue , biopsy , virus , rheumatoid arthritis , virology , immunology
Epstein-Barr virus-positive ulcer (EBV + U) is a recently reported B cell lymphoproliferative disorder in the oral cavity, oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract and skin, principally in immunosuppressed patients. A 53-year-old female patient with rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate, presenting ulcers of unknown duration on the dorsum and the lateral left border of the tongue. Excisional biopsy, histopathological analysis and histochemical stains for syphilis (Warthin-Starry), mycotic diseases (Grocott silver methenamine), tuberculosis (Ziehl-Neelsen), immunohistochemistry tests for herpesvirus type 8 (CMV), EBV (LMP-1) and DNA extraction for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to CMV, EBV and herpes simplex virus-1 were performed. Posterior to PCR assay, the final diagnosis was EBV + U in the oral cavity. Acyclovir ® was prescribed, showing clinical improvement. A case of EBV + U with clinical characteristics similar to other lesions or conditions has been reported. Special assays are necessary for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.