ADULT T-CELL LYMPHOMA AND REED-STERNBERG CELLS

Adult T-cell lymphoma (ATL) is a neoplastic disease associated in 80% of cases with HTLV-I (Human T Lymphotropic virus type I) infection. 1- 2% of HTLV-I carriers may develop the disease during their lives. In o ur country, the prevalence of HTLV-I infection is about 1%. We report a 72 y.o. woman HTLV-I positive, confirmed by Western-Blot, presenting with massive adenopathies, cutaneous tumor involvement, acute course and showing Reed-Sternberg cells (RSCs) in lymph node biopsy. The resp onse to chemotherapy was poor, with the patient dying seven months aft er diagnosis. ATL and Hodgkin's disease (HD) are discussed highlightin g that RSCs are not pathognomonic of HD though in their absence such d iagnosis can not be made. RSCs are found in other benign and malignant disorders and it is especially important to differenciate HD from the other processes in order to dispense the appropriate treatment. This is the first case of ATL with RSCs reported in Chile. Hence, in our co untry we suggest systematic determination of the presence of HTLV infe ction when histopathology is compatible with HD and Non Hodgkin Lympho ma