While the reappraised spectrum of AIDS-MTs does not demonstrate divergent subtype-determined clinical behaviour, heightened awareness/recognition of this expanded spectrum will not only promote improved diagnosis of pleomorphic and myopericytic variants, which may be the sentinel clue to AIDS and its comorbidity, but will also facilitate distinction from histopathological mimics in specific anatomic locations.

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is reported rarely in children. To date, 10 cases are documented in the English-language literature. This study, based on 13 biopsies from 11 HIV-positive children (9 males, 2 females), documents the clinicopathologic features of PBL. The CD4 count ranged from 9 to 800 cells/mm(3). All biopsies demonstrated exclusive plasmablastic morphology; CD20 immunonegativity; and VS38c, EMA, CD31, MUM-1, CD45, and CD79a immunopositivity. B-cell monoclonality was confirmed in all biopsies. Of 3 biopsies subjected to FISH investigation, 2 had a t(8,14) translocation. Nine patients with follow-up details were treated exclusively with HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) or with combinations of HAART, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Seven patients died. PBL histomorphology, disease stage, and treatment modalities employed were not predictive of outcome. The survival of 2 stage 4 patients for 3 and 8 years each, managed on HAART, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, however, may justify a role for combined therapeutic modalities for PBL.