A Case of Jejunal Intussusception caused by Burkitt Lymphoma in an Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Patient

Burkitt Lymphoma Presenting as Ileocolic Intussusception in an Adult

Adult intussusception is rare, highly associated with a malignant lead point, and often requires emergent surgical management. We report the case of a 44-year-old male who presented with generalized abdominal pain and was found to have early ileocolic intussusception secondary to a large ileocecal mass. Biopsies of the mass and an enlarged cardiophrenic lymph node, as well as pleural fluid cytology were all consistent with Burkitt lymphoma (BL). Curiously, the patient's abdominal exam was reassuring, and the intussusception and malignant bowel obstruction resolved over 36 hours with conservative management alone. With a Burkitt lymphoma international prognostic index (BL-IPI) score of 2, the patient proceeded to treatment with combination chemoimmunotherapy and attained a complete response after four cycles. There was no bowel perforation or recurrent intussusception throughout treatment. Thus, this report marks the first reported case of adult BL-associated intussusception to resolve with non-invasive management and establishes a precedent for conservative management in select patients.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Related Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Human immunodeficiency virus infection is related with an increased risk of hematological malignancy principally, non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Most non-Hodgkin lymphomas are acquired immunodeficiency syndrome defining and constitute greater than 50% of all acquired immunodeficiency syndrome defining cancers. The main pathogenesis mechanisms are immunodeficiency, chronic antigenic stimulation, and the ability to infect cancer cells causing direct carcinogenesis. Human immunodeficiency virus related non-Hodgkin lymphomas are heterogeneous in immunophenotyping and molecular features; and choice of drug treatments is similar with sporadic types. The main objective is to assess the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and morphology of human immunodeficiency virus related non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The searching strategy was done by searching relevant original and review articles from www.biosemanticjane/org, Google scholar, Google, and PubMed sites using keywords like; Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, Human immunodeficiency virus, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In conclusion, human immunodeficiency virus infected people continue to have elevated risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas are the most common and severe subtype. The pathogenesis of this type of lymphoma is associated with chromosomal abnormalities that deregulate the expression of various oncogenes by different viral particles and cytokines. However, the role of these viral particles and cytokines on pathogenesis is not clearly stated, so further study could be required.

Intestinal perforation secondary to intestinal Burkitt lymphoma

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We experienced a case of small intestinal perforation caused by intestinal Burkitt lymphoma.

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Pretreatment BL may present with bowel perforation.

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This is the first report of such a case.

Introduction and importance

Small intestinal perforation in patients with Burkitt lymphoma is extremely rare. We present the first report of such a case.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old woman was admitted with abdominal pain and vomiting. Abdominal examination revealed rigidity and tenderness in the upper abdomen.

Computed tomography scan showed thickening of the wall of the jejunum, intra-abdominal free gas, and ascites; the patient was diagnosed with small intestinal perforation, and underwent emergency surgery on the same day. Laparoscopic findings were a 50 mm jejunal perforation and perforation in the transverse mesocolon. A partial jejunal resection of the perforated area, partial transverse colectomy, temporary colostomy, and intra-abdominal drainage were performed. Histological examination showed diffuse infiltration of medium-sized atypical lymphocytes in the perforated area, exhibiting a “starry sky” appearance.

Immunostaining results showed that the atypical lymphocytes were CD20 and virtually 100% Ki-67 positive, and CD56, CD30, and EBER negative. The lesion was identified as Burkitt lymphoma (BL). The postoperative course was favorable. On postoperative day 18 the patient began chemotherapy through the hematology department. Currently, the patient is in remission.

Clinical discussion

The majority of the malignant lymphomas occurring in the digestive tract are identified in the stomach; over 90% are B-cell lymphomas and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma Nakamura et al. BL originating from the small intestine accounts for only about 9%.

Conclusion

The incidence of BL in the small intestine is low. Pretreatment BL can lead to bowel perforation. Prompt involvement of the hemato-oncologist after definitive diagnosis, and commencing chemotherapy as early as possible after surgery, are thought to improve prognosis.