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Burkitt lymphoma presenting as colonic ischemia and overwhelming sepsis

Kyle Dunning1, Peter Mattei

  • 1Department of Surgery, Easton Hospital, Easton, PA 18042, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|August 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric Burkitt lymphoma can manifest as a surgical emergency, leading to cecal necrosis and septic shock due to mesenteric vascular compromise. This case highlights a rare presentation of childhood lymphoma requiring urgent surgical intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric oncology
  • Surgical gastroenterology
  • Vascular surgery

Background:

  • Lymphomas in children can rarely present as acute surgical emergencies.
  • Common presentations include bowel obstruction, intussusception, or direct invasion.

Observation:

  • A 14-year-old boy presented with septic shock.
  • Necrosis of the cecum was identified as the cause.
  • The underlying pathology was diagnosed as Burkitt lymphoma.

Findings:

  • Mesenteric infiltration by Burkitt lymphoma led to vascular compromise.
  • This vascular compromise resulted in ischemic necrosis of the cecum.
  • The patient experienced septic shock secondary to the bowel necrosis.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering lymphoma in pediatric surgical emergencies.
  • Early diagnosis and management are crucial for improving outcomes.
  • Understanding the vascular mechanisms of lymphoma-induced bowel ischemia is vital for surgical planning.

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