Cytofluorographic and molecular identification of a CD8-positive, TCR-alpha/beta-negative intraocular T cell lymphoma: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION

Cytofluorographic and molecular techniques are effective adjuncts in diagnosing intraocular lymphoma. Primary intraocular lymphoma is an uncommon entity predominantly of B cell origin and rarely with a T cell phenotype. The aim of the present paper is to report a case of a CD8-positive, TCR-alpha/beta-negative intraocular T cell lymphoma and review the literature.

CASE PRESENTATION

T cell neoplasia was detected based on flow cytometric demonstration of an abnormal T cell population and polymerase chain reactions for immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor rearrangements demonstrating evidence of monoclonality. Flow cytometry revealed a T cell population aberrantly expressing T-cell lineage markers. This T cell population expressed CD2, bright CD3, CD8, bright CD7, CD38, CD69, and variable CD25. T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement studies demonstrated evidence of T-cell gene rearrangement confirming that the T cells were monoclonal.

CONCLUSION

We herein report the rare case of a TCR alpha/beta-negative CD8+ intraocular T-cell lymphoma suggestive of gamma/delta origin diagnosed by flow cytometry and polymerase chain reaction.