Detection of Epstein-Barr virus genes in malignant lymphoma with clinical and histologic features of cytophagic histiocytic panniculitis.

T-cell proliferative disorders are occasionally associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. This study was designed to assess the clinical features of cutaneous lymphomas positive for EBV genes. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect EBV genes in tissue or blood samples from patients with malignant lymphoma or related diseases. Of 26 DNA samples tested, EBV genes were detected in two samples, both of which were obtained from the same patient with subcutaneous T-cell lymphoma showing clinical and histologic features of cytophagic histiocytic panniculitis. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that EBV infection may be related to cutaneous lymphoma with hemophagocytic manifestations.