Epstein-Barr virus associated hepatic smooth muscle tumor in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated smooth muscle tumors (SMTs) usually present under the condition of immunosuppression, including congenital immunodeficiency syndrome-SMT, post-transplantation-SMT and HIV-SMT. HIV-SMTs are most likely to invade the central nervous system, followed by the liver, lungs, and other locations.([1]) Many laboratory techniques, including serological techniques, polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry (IHC), are employed to determine the aetiologies of these tumours. With respect to therapy, surgical resection is the main treatment. In patients with immunodeficiency, improving immune status is significant for defending against other viruses. We describe a case of the primary focus of SMT in the liver of HIV-positive patient without any metastasis. PATIENT CONCERNS: A young male HIV-positive patient complained of fever and abdominal pain for 2 months. DIAGNOSIS: IHC of liver tissue confirmed the finding: EBV-related smooth muscle tumor. INTERVENTIONS: Given the patient's general condition, he was not a suitable candidate for surgical resection. He was given antibiotics, antifungal agents and EBV-directed agents to control infection as well as highly active antiretroviral therapy to enhance the immunity. OUTCOMES: The patient's symptoms improved. He was discharged. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, EBV-related HIV-SMTs is a rare neoplasm found in the liver among immunodeficient patients. This case highlights that a variety of examinations such as IHC for smooth muscle markers (smooth muscle actin and desmin) and EBER, as well as polymerase chain reaction for EBV DNA should be done when diagnoses are ambiguous.