High-grade lymphoma after azathioprine treatment for Vogt-Kaganayi-Harada syndrome

Leuk Lymphoma. 2005 Feb;46(2):289-92. doi: 10.1080/10428190400015634.

Abstract

Vogt-Kaganayi-Harada (VKH) syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by panuveitis, neuropathy and aseptic meningitis. Most patients require long-term treatment with steroids and immunosuppressants. Patients may develop concurrent autoimmune diseases, especially endocrinopathies. Secondary malignancies are rare associations. We report a Chinese man with VKH syndrome presenting with multiple cranial nerve palsy and bilateral pan-uveitis, who developed disseminated high-grade B cell lymphoma after 3-year treatment with azathioprine. This is the first report of systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma in patients with VKH syndrome. The carcinogenic properties of azathioprine on an abnormally expanded but non-clonal lymphoid system may play a role in the pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Azathioprine / adverse effects*
  • Carcinogens / adverse effects
  • Cranial Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cranial Nerve Diseases / etiology
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / chemically induced
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / etiology
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / chemically induced*
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / etiology
  • Male
  • Uveitis / diagnosis
  • Uveitis / etiology
  • Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome / complications*
  • Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome / drug therapy

Substances

  • Carcinogens
  • Azathioprine