X-linked Lymphoproliferative Syndrome Clinical Presentation
- Author: Karen Seiter, MD; Chief Editor: Emmanuel C Besa, MD more...
History
The most common manifestations of X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) are fulminant infectious mononucleosis, lymphoma, and hypogammaglobulinemia
Fatal infectious mononucleosis
Fatal infectious mononucleosis occurs in approximately 60% of patients.
The median age of onset is 3-5 years.
The median survival is 1-2 months.
Patients present with fever, malaise, fatigue, lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly.
Most develop fulminant hepatitis with massive hepatic necrosis, hepatic encephalopathy, and death.
Lymphoma
20-30% of patients with X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) develop malignant and nonmalignant lymphoproliferative disorders.
The median age of onset is 5 years for EBV-exposed and 8 years for non-EBV–exposed patients.
The lymphomas are typically high-grade B cell lymphomas. More than half are Burkitt lymphomas.
The lymphomas are usually extranodal, including sites such as the intestines, central nervous system, liver, or kidneys.
Patients may respond to initial therapy; however, many die from relapse or infectious complications.
Nonmalignant disorders such as Wegener granulomatosis, lymphomatoid granulomatosis, and necrotizing vasculitis also occur.
Hypogammaglobulinemia
One third of patients with X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) manifest hypogammaglobulinemia, typically by a median age of 8 years.
Patients with isolated hypogammaglobulinemia have a less severe course than others with this disease.
Life-threatening infections seem to be rare, especially if intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is administered on a regular basis
Miscellaneous findings
Other manifestations of X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) include occasional cases of aplastic anemia, lymphocytic vasculitis, red cell aplasia, and a hemophagocytic syndrome associated with the initial EBV infection. All of these occur in fewer than 10% of patients.
Physical
Infectious mononucleosis
- Fever
- Pallor
- Pharyngitis
- Hepatosplenomegaly
- Lymphadenopathy
- Jaundice
- Ecchymosis
Lymphoma
Findings related to the site of involvement
Causes
In the majority of cases, X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) is caused by an inherited defect in the SH2D1A gene. In some patients, X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) is related to an inherited defect in XIAP.
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