Primary cutaneous CD8+ and CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders: case reports and clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: CD8+ CD30+ primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (PCTCL) are rare entities with overlapping pathological features and variable outcome.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to highlight the importance of correlation between pathological findings and clinical presentation for correct classification of the disease.

MATERIAL & METHODS: Two cases of CD8+ CD30+ PCTCL were investigated. The first patient presented with a multiple necro-erythematous lesion of the limb and the second with a papulo-necrotic lesion of the eyelid.

RESULTS: Despite a different clinical presentation, pathological findings were similar in both cases. Clinico-pathological correlation led to a diagnosis of primary cutaneous CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma in the first case and primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma in the second. The first patient died shortly after diagnosis and the second is alive without recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinico-pathological correlation is essential for the correct identification of these rare diseases.