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[Paediatric Burkitt lymphoma presenting as acute pancreatitis]

Filipe Glória Silva1, Mafalda Paiva, Ana Tavares

  • 1Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos, Hospital de Dona Estefânia, Lisbon.

Acta Medica Portuguesa
|February 4, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric acute pancreatitis is rare, especially when caused by tumors. This case highlights Burkitt Lymphoma as an unusual cause of pancreatitis and cholestasis in a 13-year-old boy, successfully treated with chemotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Pancreatitis in children and adolescents is uncommon, with diverse etiologies differing from adults.
  • Tumoral causes of pancreatitis in pediatric patients are exceptionally rare.

Observation:

  • A 13-year-old boy presented with acute pancreatitis, pleural effusion, and ascites.
  • Imaging suggested an infiltrative gastric wall process; endoscopy revealed a gastric and duodenal tumor with a large ulcer.
  • Biopsies confirmed Burkitt Lymphoma, further supported by ascitic fluid analysis.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with stage III Burkitt Lymphoma.
  • Treatment involved chemotherapy according to the FAB LMB 96 protocol.
  • Complete remission was achieved following treatment.

Implications:

  • This case underscores that acute pancreatitis and cholestasis can be rare presenting symptoms of lymphoma in pediatric patients.
  • Highlights the importance of considering rare etiologies in pediatric pancreatitis.
  • Demonstrates successful management of a rare presentation of pediatric Burkitt Lymphoma.

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