Skip Navigation
Skip to contents

J Pathol Transl Med : Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

OPEN ACCESS
SEARCH
Search

Search

Page Path
HOME > Search
1 "Homicide"
Filter
Filter
Article category
Keywords
Publication year
Authors
Case Study
Unsuspected systemic Epstein-Barr virus–positive T-cell lymphoma of childhood diagnosed at autopsy in a potential homicide case
Daniel J. Robbins, Erik A. Ranheim, Jamie E. Kallan
J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(2):123-127.   Published online December 22, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2022.10.31
  • 1,508 View
  • 162 Download
AbstractAbstract PDF
Systemic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–positive T-cell lymphoma of childhood (SETLC) is a rare, rapidly progressive, and often fatal disease of children and young adults characterized by monoclonal expansion of EBV-positive T cells in tissues or peripheral blood following infection with EBV. Its distinction from other EBV-positive T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders with overlapping features can be difficult, and particular diagnostic features may not be manifest until autopsy examination. We present the case of a 10-year-old boy with significant disability due to remote traumatic brain injury following non-accidental head trauma who died unexpectedly at home. Given the history of physical abuse and the potential for homicide charges, significant medicolegal implications arose with this case. Pathologic investigation ultimately revealed conclusive diagnostic features of SETLC including extensive proliferation of EBV-positive T cells in multiple organs. A natural manner of death was confirmed, thereby excluding delayed homicide related to complications of non-accidental head trauma.

J Pathol Transl Med : Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine