Central Nervous System Smooth Muscle Tumor Linked to Epstein-Barr Virus in an HIV-Infected Individual: Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment - Takeaways - 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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  • 1

    Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is linked to various diseases, including rare smooth muscle tumors in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with HIV.

  • 2

    The case report details a 39-year-old HIV-positive female diagnosed with EBV-associated smooth muscle tumor affecting her brain and spine.

  • 3

    Diagnosis of EBV-associated smooth muscle tumors involves immunohistochemistry and detection of EBV-encoded small RNAs or DNA.

  • 4

    The patient underwent multiple imaging studies and surgeries, with initial misdiagnosis as meningiomas before confirming EBV-SMT.

  • 5

    Despite treatment adjustments, the patient faced complications, including aspiration pneumonia, ultimately leading to her death from cardiac arrest.

Original Source(s)

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

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