Russell Body Barrett's Esophagus

[Duodenitis Russell bodies. Review of the entity and associations beyond H. pylori]

Plasma cells known as "Mott cells" present non-secretable accumulations of immunoglobulins called "Russell bodies". Its presence is related to hematological neoplasms, but it can appear in chronic inflammatory processes. The most common occurrence within the digestive tract is the gastric antrum associated with H. pylori infection. Our patient is added the rare extragastric cases where the association with H. pylori is inconsistent. We have found a frequent appearance of lower digestive and urological neoplasms in relation to these cases, justified by the expression of circulating cytokines in the tumor area that lead to the overactivation of plasma cells. This possible association could lead us to know data about the tumor environment and serve us for early diagnosis or future therapeutic targets.

Surveillance of Russell body inflammation of the digestive tract: a case report and review of literature

Introduction

Russell body inflammation of the digestive tract (RBIDT) is a rare chronic inflammation of the digestive tract mucosa that commonly presents as Russell body gastritis (RBG). This disease is usually associated with Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection. However, it can also occur in individuals without HP infection and with specific immune profiles, as seen in HIV and hepatitis C infections. The aetiology and pathogenesis of this disease remain controversial. Given the rarity of the disease and the diversity of the immunophenotypes, there is a high probability of misdiagnosis.

Case presentation

A male patient with RBG and HP infection was included in this study. The case of RBG with an unusual morphology of Mott cells that mimics stamped ring cells.Endoscopy performed during the follow-up revealed regression of the lesion 1 week after anti-HP treatment.

Conclusions

A case of RBG with a high likelihood of misdiagnosis of signet ring cell carcinoma (SRC) has been reported in this study along with a review of the relevant literature and an overview of RBIDT.

Russell Body Esophagitis: A Possible Indication to Screen for Hematologic Malignancy

This is a case of an elderly man with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma on a direct oral anticoagulant for atrial fibrillation who presented with weakness. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy found herpes esophagitis and islands of salmon-colored mucosa suspicious for Barrett’s esophagus. Biopsies showed no signs of Barrett’s Esophagus but returned positive for Russell bodies. This is the only reported case of Russell body esophagitis in the absence of Barrett’s esophagus. This case adds to the mounting evidence that Russell body esophagitis and potentially all gastrointestinal Russell bodies should prompt further work-up for hematologic malignancy.