Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research

Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Myoid Tumors in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients

Abstract

Khaba MC, Ramdial PK, Steyn AJ, Pillay B and Nargan K

Although Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)-associated myoid tumors (EBV-MTs) are a well-recognized entity, commonly associated with immunocompromise and immunosuppression, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), they are reported uncommonly. An expanding spectrum of EBV-MTs has emerged in the last decade, associated with an increasing range of organ involvement. EBV-MTs are associated with diagnostic pitfalls, incomplete etiopathogenetic understanding and treatment challenges. This review revisits EBV-MTs in the HIV and AIDS setting. The characteristics of EBV, their etiopathogenetic role in neoplasia, in general and in HIV-associated EBV-MTs in particular, are discussed. Historical, demographic and diagnostic clinicopathological features of EBV-MTs are detailed, classification and diagnostic challenges are emphasized, treatment options and dilemmas are presented briefly and outcome-associated factors are described. While attention is drawn to current demographic, classification, etiopathogenetic and management uncertainties and hiatuses, potential future approaches to address these shortcomings are also alluded to.