Application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a series of proliferative diseases of the lymphatic system. Among patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), PTLD is a prevalent complication that severely affects rates of survival. Ultrasound plays an essential role in the early diagnosis of PTLD. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and CEUS-guided biopsy are critical procedures for tumor diagnosis. PATIENT CONCERNS: Herein, we report the case of a 40-year-old male patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who received HSCT more than 1 year ago. Sonography revealed a small hypoechoic nodule in the liver four months after HSCT. Eight months after HSCT, larger and more nodules were observed via ultrasound; CT was used to identify the lesions. DIAGNOSES: CEUS and CEUS-guided biopsy were performed, and the pathological diagnosis was PTLD. INTERVENTIONS: The final clinical diagnosis was PTLD, and cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and dexamethasone were administered as chemotherapy. OUTCOMES: The patient was discharged after his condition improved. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound can be used to effectively detect lesions of PTLD early after HSCT. Furthermore, CEUS and CEUS-guided biopsy were effective for early confirmatory diagnoses of PTLD after HSCT.