Central Nervous System Smooth Muscle Tumor Linked to Epstein-Barr Virus in an HIV-Infected Individual: Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment - Report - MDSpire

Central Nervous System Smooth Muscle Tumor Linked to Epstein-Barr Virus in an HIV-Infected Individual: Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment

  • By

  • Imad Majeed

  • Kenneth Schott Hannan

  • Aeron Buckley

  • Zaraq Rashid Khan

  • Faisal Rasheed

  • Lama Hanbali

  • Eyas M. Hattab

  • February 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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Central Nervous System Smooth Muscle Tumor Linked to Epstein-Barr Virus in an HIV-Infected Individual

Overview

This report details a case of Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumor (EBV-SMT) in a 39-year-old HIV-positive female. The tumor presented with significant neurological symptoms and was diagnosed through imaging and pathology, highlighting the challenges in management and treatment of this rare condition.

Background

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common virus associated with various malignancies, particularly in immunocompromised individuals such as those with HIV. EBV-SMT is a rare tumor that predominantly affects the central nervous system and poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Understanding its presentation and management is crucial for improving outcomes in affected patients.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data available in the article.

Key Findings

  • The patient was a 39-year-old HIV-positive female with a history of significant neurological symptoms.
  • Imaging revealed multiple brain masses, initially suspected to be meningiomas.
  • Pathology confirmed the presence of smooth muscle markers, indicating EBV-SMT.
  • EBER in-situ hybridization was non-reactive due to non-viability of tumor cells.
  • Management included surgical resection, with ongoing considerations for antiretroviral therapy optimization.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the potential for EBV-SMT in immunocompromised patients presenting with neurological symptoms. Early imaging and multidisciplinary evaluation are essential for accurate diagnosis and management. Optimizing antiretroviral therapy may improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of recognizing EBV-SMT in HIV-infected individuals and the need for a tailored approach to diagnosis and treatment. Further research is necessary to establish definitive management guidelines.

References

  1. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2023 -- A Severe Airway Blockage Caused by Epstein-Barr Virus-Related Smooth Muscle Tumor in a Patient with HIV Infection
  2. Blood Cancer Journal, 2023 -- Immune escape mechanisms and therapeutic advances in virus-associated hematological malignancies
  3. Complications Related to Epstein-Barr Virus in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case Series Analysis, 2019
  4. Understanding Delays in Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Insights for Neurosurgeons, 2024
  5. What’s new in soft tissue and bone pathology 2022–updates from the WHO classification 5th edition - PMC, 2022
  6. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated smooth muscle tumor of the central nervous system in an HIV patient: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges - PMC, 2023
  7. What’s new in soft tissue and bone pathology 2022–updates from the WHO classification 5th edition - PMC
  8. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated smooth muscle tumor of the central nervous system in an HIV patient: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges - PMC

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