Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Smooth Muscle Tumor Pathology
Summary
Epstein–Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumours (EBV-SMTs) represent a rare subset of mesenchymal neoplasms arising predominantly in immunocompromised hosts. These lesions are characterised by proliferation of spindle-shaped myoid cells harbouring latent EBV genomes, often demonstrating variable mitotic activity and occasional necrosis. Clinically, they present as solitary or multifocal masses in organs as diverse as the liver, lung, skin and central nervous system. Multicentricity, especially in post-transplant or HIV-infected patients, reflects viral tropism for smooth muscle and impaired immune surveillance. Histopathological examination reveals fascicles of smooth muscle cells with admixed lymphoid infiltrates, and immunohistochemistry confirms smooth muscle differentiation alongside in situ hybridisation for EBV-encoded RNA. Management strategies centre on surgical resection when feasible, modulation of immunosuppression and, in selected cases, targeted antiviral or immunotherapeutic approaches. Emerging data underline the influence of host immune status on tumour behaviour and the potential for novel image-guided and minimally invasive therapies. As understanding of EBV-driven oncogenesis deepens, EBV-SMTs have assumed broader significance as models of virus–host interplay and as indicators of global patterns of immunodeficiency and cancer risk.
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Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Smooth Muscle Tumor Pathology publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in epstein-barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumor pathology across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV): A ubiquitous herpesvirus that establishes latent infection in B lymphocytes and, in certain settings, drives neoplastic transformation of smooth muscle cells.
Smooth muscle tumour (SMT): A mesenchymal neoplasm composed of spindle cells with smooth muscle differentiation, variably benign or malignant in behaviour.
Immunosuppression: A state of reduced immune function, often induced by HIV infection, pharmacological agents or underlying genetic disorders, which facilitates viral oncogenesis.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS): An imaging modality using microbubble contrast agents to evaluate lesion vascularity and enhancement patterns in real time.
Microwave ablation (MWA): A percutaneous treatment delivering electromagnetic energy to induce coagulative necrosis in targeted tumours, offering minimal invasiveness and rapid recovery.
References
- A Clinicopathology Review and Update of Epstein–Barr Virus-Associated Mesenchymal Tumors. Cancers (2023).
- EBV‐Associated Smooth Muscle Neoplasms: Solid Tumors Arising in the Presence of Immunosuppression and Autoimmune Diseases. Sarcoma (2008).
- Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Smooth Muscle Tumor and Its Correlation With CD4 Levels in a Patient With HIV Infection. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology (2022).
- Epstein-Barr Virus-Positive Leiomyosarcoma in Immunocompetent Patients.. Turkish Journal of Pathology (2023).
- Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and microwave ablation of Epstein–Barr virus associated smooth muscle tumors in a patient with AIDS: a case report. Frontiers in Medicine (2024).
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