Isolated primary oesophageal involvement by lymphoma: a rare cause of dysphagia: two case histories and a review of other published data

Lymphoma presented as dysphagia: a diagnosis hard to swallow

An 18-year-old woman presented with progressive oesophageal dysphagia, weight loss and night sweats over a 6-month period. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a diffuse luminal narrowing with normal mucosa, whose biopsies were inconclusive. A cervical and thoracic CT scan showed a thickening of the upper oesophagus, densification of the mediastinal fat, several adenopathies and a 4.3×2.4 cm mass with infiltrative appearance and heterogeneous enhancement in right cervical paravertebral location. Positron emission tomography-CT showed marked increased fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes, pleuropulmonary tissue, paraspinal musculature and bone marrow. Imaging-guided and surgical incisional biopsies of the paravertebral mass were inconclusive. During hospitalisation, she developed right cervicobrachial paraesthesia. Only excisional biopsy of the mass allowed the diagnosis of high-grade B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified, Ann Arbor stage IV-B. The patient underwent chemotherapy with R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone), followed by R-EPOCH (rituximab, etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin hydrochloride). Follow-up at 12 months revealed complete response.

Clinicopathological profile of gastrointestinal lymphomas in Kashmir

BACKGROUND

The histological categorization of lymphoma has been a source of controversy for many years for both clinicians and pathologists. Clinicopathologic information of gastrointestinal lymphomas in Indian subcontinent is lacking. We studied histopathological spectrum of Primary Gastrointestinal Lymphomas (PGIL) and attempted to classify the G.I. lymphomas based on the recent WHO classification in to major histological types and immunological categories.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was done to evaluate the clinicopathological pattern of 100 cases with a histopathological diagnosis of primary gastrointestinal lymphoma at a tertiary care hospital. All patients of primary gastrointestinal lymphomas were included with the help of medical records over a 11-years period that is, January 2005 to December 2015.

RESULTS

The study included 100 cases (60 males, 40 females; mean age 51.43 years; age range 4.5-90 years). The disease involved stomach in 82 (82%), small intestine in 8 (8%), large bowel and rectum in 8 (8%), gall bladder in 1 (1%) and oesophagus in 1 (1%). 82 (82%) of the 100 cases were Diffuse Large B cell lymphomas; 12 (12%) were Extra Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphomas (ENMZL of MALT type) 2 (2%) IPSID 2 (2%) of Mantle cell lymphoma morphology, 1 (1%) Burkitt's and 1(1%) enteropathy associated T cell lymphoma. The commonest presenting symptom was abdominal pain. 99 (99%) of 100 tumours were classified as B-cell lymphomas immunohistochemically and majority exhibited monoclonal light chain restriction on kappa/lambda staining. In addition; Burkitt's lymphoma showed positivity for CD 10. One tumour (1%) showed positivity for T-cell markers. The data demonstrated that primary GI NHL is more common among males, mainly in their fifth decade. Abdominal pain is the most common presenting symptom, with stomach being the most commonly involved site. Diffuse large cell lymphoma is the most frequent histologic subtype, followed by extranodal marginal-zone B cell lymphoma (MALT type). H. Pylori infection was observed in cases with low grade MALT lymphomas. Striking was the observation of two cases of IPSID (a disease commonly found in Mediterranean countries) and one case of enteropathy associated T cell lymphoma.

CONCLUSION

EGD, imaging, light microscopic examination and immunohistochemical workup for B and T cell markers and staining for light chains to assist documentation of monoclonality are of precise diagnostic value in gastrointestinal lymphomas and form a part of the diagnostic workup.

Multicentric Study of Clinicopathological Features of Primary Gastrointestinal Lymphoma of Iran: from 2011 - 2016

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the most common site for extranodal lymphoma. The primary GI lymphoma pattern in Iran is different from western countries and has been changed during the past 40 years. Objectives: This study was done to determine the clinical and pathological characteristics of primary GI lymphoma in Tehran, Hamedan, and Mashhad regions in Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional comparative-descriptive study, 200 patients with primary GI lymphoma in Tehran, Hamadan, and Mashhad regions from 2011 to 2016 were enrolled in a consecutive manner, where the clinical and pathological characteristics of cases were determined. Results: Among 200 patients, 141 (70.5%) subjects were male and 59 (29.5%) subjects were female. The mean age at diagnosis was 54.3 ± 19.3 years. Also, 84%, 8.5%, and 7.5% of the patients’ specimens were from Tehran, Hamedan, and Mashhad, respectively. The stomach was the principal involved location in approximately half of the cases. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), was the main subtype that was observed in 64% of the cases. Treatment in 72% of cases was a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The 5-year survival was assessed in 147 patients with a rate of 68%. Conclusions: Primary GI lymphoma is seen more in male subjects younger than 60 years of age with non-specific symptoms. Also, DLBCL and MALToma are the main histologic types, and the 5-year survival for all cases is 68.0%. The clinical symptoms showed no specific pattern and accordingly, patients with weight loss and abdominal pain should be considered in in differential diagnosis of malignant lymphoma.

Primary lymphoma of the entire esophagus diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA)

Primary esophageal lymphoma is extremely rare, with fewer than 30 cases reported in the literature. Presentation is nonspecific with multiple radiological and endoscopic appearances, posing its diagnosis a challenge. We report a case of a primary esophageal lymphoma diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration in a 68-year-old woman referred to our hospital for evaluation of a submucosal tumor spreading all over the esophageal wall. We describe its clinical and imaging features and stand out the importance of having a specific preoperatory diagnosis in order to avoid a major surgery.

Spectrum of CT Findings in Thoracic Extranodal Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) frequently manifests in extranodal structures in the chest, often in the form of secondary involvement but occasionally as primary disease. Because staging and treatment are affected by the presence of extranodal disease at imaging, radiologists' interpretation and management of suspicious findings are critical to patient care. Unfortunately, owing to considerable imaging overlap with other diseases, primary extranodal lymphoma is difficult to diagnose with imaging alone. Radiologists should have a heightened degree of suspicion in patients at risk (including patients with immune compromise, autoimmune diseases, or a history of stem cell or solid organ transplant) or with particular imaging appearances (including the vertebral wraparound sign, nonresolving consolidation, an infiltrative soft-tissue mass, and lesions demonstrating vascular encasement without invasion). For patients with known NHL, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using fluorine 18 (¹⁸F)-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is now preferred for routine staging in most cases. CT remains heavily used, and identification of subtle extranodal involvement with CT can be improved with use of intravenous contrast material and careful review of multiplanar images. Pericardial effusion, pleural soft tissue (even when mild), mass-like consolidation, perilymphatic nodularity, and new lytic bone lesions are particularly suggestive of secondary involvement in a patient with known NHL. Magnetic resonance imaging is a helpful problem-solving tool when equivocal findings would change staging and treatment. This comprehensive review illustrates the spectrum of CT manifestations of extranodal NHL in the chest, including the pleura, lung, airways, heart, pericardium, esophagus, chest wall, and breast. ^©RSNA, 2017.

Radiological and clinical features of primary NK/T-cell lymphoma involving the whole length of the esophagus: A case report

Primary esophageal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma is a markedly rare tumor. There were only 6 cases of the disease identified prior to June 2015. In the present study, the aforementioned cases were validated, and relevant computed tomography (CT) results and clinical features of primary esophageal NK/T-cell lymphoma were determined, to increase awareness of this type of tumor. CT features and clinical presentations of a patient with pathologically confirmed esophageal NK/T-cell lymphoma was analyzed. The patient exhibited non-specific clinical symptoms and CT images revealed diffuse thickening of the entire length of the esophagus. The patient received cycles of systemic chemotherapy and subsequent chest CT images demonstrated prompt and marked shrinkage of the tumor. At the time of writing, the patient has survived for 24 months and experiences a good quality of life without postprandial fullness or difficulty swallowing solid food. In addition, the characteristics of 6 patients with complete clinical features of this type of tumor, on the basis of a review of published studies (online PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Chinese Biomedicine Database and China Journal Full Text Database search), were retrospectively analyzed. Although primary esophageal NK/T-cell lymphoma is a markedly rare tumor, it is considered to be included in differential diagnosis of patients presenting with a fungal or viral infection, therapy-related mucositis or reflux esophagitis. The final diagnosis of primary esophageal NK/T-cell lymphoma is on the basis of a combination of clinical, CT and histopathological results.

Primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the esophagus, manifesting as a submucosal tumor

We report a case of primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in the esophagus that manifested as a large submucosal tumor (SMT). Primary esophageal lymphoma is very rare, occurring in less than 1% of all patients with gastrointestinal lymphoma. Only a few cases of MALT lymphoma in the esophagus have been reported in the English literature. A 53-year-old man was referred to Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital (Goyang, Korea) in July 2012 for further evaluation and treatment of an esophageal SMT. Endoscopy showed a cylindrically elongated submucosal mass with normal overlying mucosa in the mid esophagus, 25-30 cm from the incisor teeth. He underwent surgery to confirm the diagnosis. Pathologic findings showed diffuse small atypical lymphoid cells which were stained with Bcl-2, CD20, but not with CD3, CD5, CD23, Bcl-6, or cyclin D1. These cells showed a positive monoclonal band for immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement. Based on the pathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular biological features, the esophageal mass was diagnosed as extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the MALT type.

Primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the esophagus masquerading as a benign tumor

We report a case of primary esophageal low-grade B-cell lymphoma of MALT type in a 50-year-old Saudi male patient who presented to our hospital with a history of dysphagia and heartburn for more than 2 years. Endoscopy showed a large esophageal mass with an intact mucosa located in the distal esophagus, 28 cm-35 cm from the incisor teeth. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) showed a large well demarcated sub-epithelial lesion 4 cm in width and 10 cm in length arising from the muscularis mucosa with mixed echogenicity consistent with benign leiomyoma. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgical resection of the tumor; the histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of esophageal lymphoma. The tumor was considered to be completely resected and therefore additional treatment was not administered. The patient was doing well on follow up after treatment. Clinically and radiologically he did not reveal any signs of recurrence. Surgical resection is beneficial as a primary treatment option in incipient primary low grade MALT esophageal lymphomas.

T cell lymphoma presenting as esophageal obstruction and bronchoesophageal fistula

Background

The mediastinum is an uncommon location for presentation of peripheral T cell lymphoma. Esophageal involvement by non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is extremely unusual. Although staging can be performed with routine imaging studies, surgical intervention is often required to ensure accurate histologic diagnosis of these lymphomas. Peripheral T cell lymphomas not otherwise specified are among the most aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas with often a poor response to conventional chemotherapy

Case Report

We report a case of a 63 year-old-man with an aggressive mediastinal T cell lymphoma presenting as esophageal obstruction and bronchoesophageal fistula. The patient was treated with a cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (COP) regimen. Repeat computer tomography scan of the chest after chemotherapy noted a significant decrease in the cavitary lesion in the right paraesophageal region and right mediastinum. Bronchoscopy revealed a large opening in the posterior wall of the bronchus intermedius leading into the esophagus. A fistulogram was done which clearly demonstrated a fistulous tract between the lower esophagus and the right intermediate bronchus secondary to perforation from the lymphoma. The patient eventually underwent cervical esophagostomy and jejunostomy tube placement to correct the brochoesophageal fistula.

Conclusions

The mediastinum is an uncommon location for presentation of peripheral T cell lymphomas, and surgical intervention is often required to ensure accurate histological diagnosis of these lymphomas. In our patient, aggressive mediastinal T cell lymphoma presented as esophageal obstruction and bronchoesophageal fistula

Primary esophageal lymphoma in immunocompetent patients: Two case reports and literature review

Primary lymphoma that involves the esophagus is very rare, with fewer than 30 cases reported in the English-language literature. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for most of the cases. Esophageal lymphomas have varied radiological appearances, which poses diagnostic difficulty. We report two cases of histopathologically confirmed primary diffuse large B-cell esophageal lymphoma and describe their radiological features, and briefly review the literature.

Contribution of the 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography to the diagnosis of primary osseous Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma typically presents as a nodal lesion and infrequently involves extra nodal sites. Although cases of primary extra-nodal Hodgkin lymphoma have been reported previously, the reality of the primitive nature of the disease was difficult to authenticate with traditional high resolution imaging techniques, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, because they cannot evaluate the spread of the disease throughout the whole body. We report here a case of primary osseous Hodgkin lymphoma, regarded as stage I extranodal IE thanks to the important contribution of a new imaging technique, the 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT). PET enables systemic Hodgkin lymphoma with secondary bone invasion to be distinguished from primitive osseous Hodgkin lymphoma. This technique is highly specific in demonstrating the isolated osseous localisation of the tumour and should be recommended in all patients with putative osseous lymphoma.

A case of primary isolated non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the esophagus in an immunocompetent patient

Primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the esophagus is a rare disease. A case of primary isolated non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the esophagus in a 77-year-old man without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is presented. We describe the clinical features and the imaging findings (barium swallow, endoscopic ultrasonography and CT) of a biopsy proven B-cell lymphoma with diffuse transmural involvement of the esophagus wall, which was discovered incidentally. We also briefly review the literature.

Primary esophageal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: report of a case

Primary esophageal lymphoma is very rare, with fewer than 25 cases documented in the English-language literature. We report a case of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the esophagus in a 42-year-old woman. Barium esophagogram revealed almost complete esophageal obstruction at the level of the cervical esophagus, and flexible endoscopy showed a circumferential submucosal tumor covered with intact mucosa. Neck magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a wide cervical mass circumferentially encompassing the lumen of the cervical esophagus. Biopsies taken with multiple forceps during flexible and rigid esophagoscopy were nondiagnostic. Finally, external esophageal wall biopsies taken during neck exploration provided information that helped us establish the diagnosis. Pathohistological findings confirmed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the diffuse large B-cell type. The patient was treated with combined immunochemotherapy, consisting of rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, vincristine, adriablastin, and prednisone (CHOP), followed by irradiation. A complete response was achieved, and 3 years after diagnosis and treatment the patient was disease-free.

Primary gastrointestinal tract lymphoma: diagnosis and management of common neoplasms

Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma represents the most common location of extranodal lymphoma. With the bulk of disease manifesting within the gastrointestinal tract and contiguous lymph nodes, many of the lymphomas occurring in the peripheral lymph nodes can also present with primary gastrointestinal tract involvement. Molecular biology has recently enabled significant progress in the diagnosis and management of primary gastrointestinal lymphoma. Herein, we will discuss the major lymphomas affecting the bowel and highlight their key morphological, immunophenotypical and molecular diagnostic attributes. Similarly, in keeping with recent therapeutic advances, we will briefly discuss some important treatment considerations. Thus, this review is intended to offer clinicians and pathologists an overview of primary gastrointestinal lymphomas.

Weight loss and fatigue in an elderly patient

We report a recent clinical case of an elderly patient who presented with weight loss and fatigue and who was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Some time later, he was discovered to have underlying oesophageal lymphoma. The latter diagnosis was believed to contribute, at least in part, to his symptoms at the time of initial presentation. The case illustrates the potential difficulties associated with establishing the diagnosis of oesophageal lymphoma. Furthermore, symptoms of weight loss and fatigue are commonly encountered in general medical patients. This case reminded us that even when a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism has been established, these symptoms may be attributable to other pathology.

Esophageal involvement as an uncommon modality of relapse of Hodgkin lymphoma

We present a case of systemic Hodgkin's lymphoma, relapsed with esophageal involvement after 3 years of complete remission. The importance of an accurate diagnostic work-up is emphasized. Esophagectomy and chemotherapy followed by bone marrow transplantation allowed a complete response and the long-term survival of the patient.

Relapsing upper bleeding in non-Hodgkin's oesophageal lymphoma associated with achalasia

Achalasia is a disease of unknown origin in which there is a denervation of the myenteric plexus on the smooth muscle of the lower oesophageal sphincter, causing a cardial stenosis and a loss of efficacy of oesophageal peristalsis. The predominant symptoms are dysphagia for solids and liquids and regurgitation of the retained food. Occasionally, there may be oesophageal haemorrhage as a consequence of oesophagitis and stasis ulcers. An important but uncommon complication is the development of oesophageal cancer, which is typically squamous cell carcinoma. We report an exceptional case of a 77-year-old woman with a long-term achalasia and mega-oesophagus who presented four episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a 2 month period. The patient underwent surgical resection of the 10 cm of distal oesophagus, performing a partial fundoplication, and the pathological study revealed an oesophageal infiltration by a low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. After an insidious outcome, she died on the 47th day after admission.

Primary gastroesophageal-ileal hodgkin lymphoma

Primary Hodgkin lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract is exceedingly rare to the point that some authors regard with skepticism the existence of this entity. Cases of gastrointestinal Hodgkin lymphoma have been reported previously; however, most of these cases represented secondary involvement of the digestive tract in the context of systemic disease. Other cases have been reclassified in retrospective studies as non-Hodgkin lymphomas after the application of immunohistochemical techniques. We report a case of primary Hodgkin lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract in a patient who presented with obstructive symptoms at the site of a gastroileal bypass; the bypass had been performed years earlier because of morbid obesity. Some non-Hodgkin lymphomas may morphologically mimic Hodgkin lymphoma and vice versa; therefore, an accurate pathologic diagnosis is important, since the therapeutic approach and prognostic implications differ significantly for these diseases. In this context, immunohistochemistry should be used to confirm or to exclude the histologic diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma.

Extranodal Hodgkin disease: spectrum of disease

Extranodal lesions in Hodgkin disease may develop and spread to virtually any organ system, simulating other neoplastic or infectious diseases. It is important to determine whether extranodal involvement represents a primary manifestation or dissemination of systemic disease, which has a poorer prognosis. Computed tomography (CT) is the preferred modality, although ultrasonography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging may also be helpful. CT is superior to conventional radiography in assessing chest disease, although MR imaging is more sensitive than CT in detecting chest wall involvement. CT is preferred for evaluating hepatic lymphoma and has proved particularly valuable in diagnosing gastric lymphoma and detecting renal or perirenal masses. CT and MR imaging are equally effective in detecting brain Hodgkin disease; however, the latter is superior in the detection of extracerebral tumor deposits in the subdural or epidural space. MR imaging is also preferred for evaluating meningeal and spinal cord involvement. Both MR imaging and CT allow excellent assessment of bone texture and accurate analysis of tumoral bone invasion, but MR imaging is superior in demonstrating bone marrow infiltration, and CT is superior in delineating the extent of cortical bone destruction. In the future, metabolic positron emission tomography may provide more information about extranodal lymphoma than do the current imaging modalities.

True histiocytic lymphoma of the esophagus in an HIV-positive patient: an ultrastructural study

A 56-year-old white woman, seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus for 18 months without signs of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, presented with retrosternal pain and progressive dysphagia secondary to an exophytic esophageal mass. Biopsies of the tumor showed a malignant neoplasm composed of pleomorphic, noncohesive cells growing in a diffuse, sheet-like fashion. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were nonreactive with epithelial, lymphoid, neural, and monocyte/macrophage markers. Despite the noncontributory immunohistochemical findings, ultrastructural study of the tumor cells revealed convincing histiocytic features. Individual cells possessed long, slender filopodial projections, prominent Golgi apparatus, residual bodies, rare lysosomes, and prelysosomes. Immunoglobulin heavy chain and T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement studies detected no evidence of a clonal gene rearrangement. The patient responded poorly to chemotherapy and died 5 months after her initial symptom of dysphagia.

Lymphoma at uncommon sites

Lymphoma can often present in unusual situations. This article provides a comprehensive review of the literature in which both non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease are discussed.

Primary esophageal T cell lymphoma

A 60 year-old woman with primary esophageal T-cell lymphoma in clinical stage I(E)B is presented. Immunohistologic examination showed tumor cells to be positive for anti-LCA, anti-UCHL-1, anti-MT-1, anti-CD3 antibodies, and negative for anti-L26 antibody. Disappearance of dysphagia and improvement in esophageal findings were noted after 65 Gy of irradiation, and biopsy specimens from the esophagus revealed no malignancy. Primary esophageal lymphoma is extremely rare, and this T-cell lymphoma is only the fourth case reported in the literature.

Hodgkin's disease of the esophagus: report of a case

Most esophageal malignancies are either squamous carcinomas or adenocarcinomas arising in the background of Barrett's esophagus. We describe a case of an 85-yr-old woman in whom the diagnosis of esophageal malignancy was difficult to confirm despite its endoscopic appearance and previous biopsies. This case illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing Hodgkin's disease of the esophagus. Despite the rarity of this entity, if clinically indicated by symptoms, large, deep biopsies by rigid esophagoscopy should be considered.

Primary esophageal lymphoma: a diagnostic challenge

A 56-year-old man with primary esophageal lymphoma is presented. Diagnosis of this disease can present a challenge. Clinical characteristics, treatment principles, and a detailed discussion of diagnosis are presented. When primary esophageal lymphoma is diagnosed, combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy afford a significant chance of long-term survival.

Primary esophageal lymphoma in AIDS

Primary esophageal lymphomas are extremely rare. We report a primary esophageal T cell lymphoma of the diffuse large cell type in a patient with AIDS and review other published data. Although rare, the diagnosis should be considered in patients with dysphagia, weight loss (with or without hematemesis), and endoscopic findings of masses, polyps, or ulcerations that are especially unresponsive to antifungal therapy or antiviral therapy or both. Repeat endoscopy with biopsy may be needed to establish the diagnosis properly.

Primary lymphoma of the esophagus

Primary esophageal lymphoma is very rare. We report a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma involving the lower one-third of the esophagus. Presenting with dysphagia, he was treated successfully by transhiatal esophagectomy along with combination chemotherapy. We review the relevant literature.