Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.  2006 Apr;32(4):287-292.

A Case of Enteropathy-Associated T-cell Lymphoma (EATL) Presenting Perforation after Chemotherapy for Primary Intestinal Lymphoma

• Kim HJ
• Han SW
• Park SM
• Kim CW
• Yang SE
• Kim HG
• Cho KJ
• Kim TH
• Kang SB
• Cho YS
• Kim SS
• Lee DS
• Chae HS
• Kim JN

Abstract

Intestinal T-cell lymphomas are fairly uncommon, and can sometimes be associated with enteropathy. Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) is commonly accompanied by a nonspecific mucosal ulceration, similar to that observed as a complication of celiac disease. The clinical course of EATL is quite unfavorable, and tends to have a generally poor prognosis. When a tumor invades the bowel wall and is treated with corticosteroids and chemotherapy, cell lysis with perforation often occurs, particularly in case of lymphoma. Recent data indicate that extensive resection may improve local control, and eliminate the risk of early mortality due to visceral perforation or hemorrhaging in unresected lesions during chemotherapy. Here, we report the case of a 51-year-old male who was diagnosed with primary gastrointestinal lymphoma after colonoscopy, and presented with EATL after emergent exploratory laparatomy. We also include a review of the literature regarding this uncommon entity.

Keyword

Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL); Hematochezia; Perforation

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Celiac Disease
Colonoscopy
Drug Therapy*
Enteropathy-Associated T-Cell Lymphoma*
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
Humans
Lymphoma*
Lymphoma, T-Cell
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Prognosis
Ulcer
Adrenal Cortex Hormones