Otolaryngologic management of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease in children.

Twelve of 14 children (86%) given a pathologic diagnosis of posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh presented with head and neck symptoms, and are included in this retrospective analysis. Upper airway obstruction was the most common symptom, evident in nine children (75%). Ten children (83%) had febrile illnesses with dysphagia, odynophagia, and evidence of hypertrophy of components of Waldeyer's ring. Associated findings included cervical adenopathy, sinusitis, and otitis media. The two remaining children had an intratracheal and paratracheal mass, respectively. Excision of obstructing lymphoid tissue with proper handling of the specimen is advocated for diagnosis and relief of airway obstruction. Systemic therapy is necessary for treatment of PTLD and includes reduction of immunosuppression. Erythromycin causes elevation in cyclosporine levels and should be avoided in patients taking this drug.