Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder in cardiac transplant allografts

Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder occurs in 1.5% to 13% of heart transplant recipients and rarely involves the allograft. We report a case of posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder restricted to the mitral valve in a heart transplant recipient. Thirteen cases of cardiac allograft involvement by posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder are reported in the literature. None are restricted to the allograft. Five specify sites of cardiac involvement. Valvular masses without infection necessitate evaluation for posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder involvement of: the cardiac allograft valve. (C) 1997 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.