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Intestinal perforation associated with rituximab therapy for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after liver transplantation

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Abstract

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious complication after organ transplantation with a cumulative incidence of 1.1% at 18 months and 4.7% at 15 years. It has been reported in patients with or without concomitant Epstein–Barr virus infection. Therapy ranges from a reduction of immunosuppression to administration of conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. Rituximab, a recombinant chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody has been used for the treatment of PTLD with promising results and a reduction in treatment-associated mortality. However, the use of rituximab has been associated with spontaneous gastrointestinal perforation. We describe a case of recurrent intestinal perforations after a single dose of rituximab.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA

    Agustin Cornejo, Mary Bohnenblust & Catherine Harris

  2. Transplant Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr. MC 7858, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA

    Gregory A. Abrahamian

Authors
  1. Agustin Cornejo
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  2. Mary Bohnenblust
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  3. Catherine Harris
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  4. Gregory A. Abrahamian
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Correspondence to Gregory A. Abrahamian.

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Cornejo, A., Bohnenblust, M., Harris, C. et al. Intestinal perforation associated with rituximab therapy for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after liver transplantation. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 64, 857–860 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-009-1062-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-009-1062-1

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