[Analysis of characteristics in 4 patients with primary gastric peripheral T-cell lymphoma-not otherwise specified]

This study was aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features, immunophenotype and differential diagnosis of primary gastric peripheral T-cell lymphoma-not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), so as to promote its early recognition for the clinical and pathological physicians. Four patients with primary gastric PTCL-NOS between September 2008 to October 2011 in our hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical records, histo-morphological features and immunohistochemical markers were analyzed. All 4 patients were admitted to hospital because of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort, pain or diarrhea, therefore gastroscope biopsy or operation were performed and this disease was found. Analysis results showed that at onset of disease, all patients had no manifestation of hepatomegaly or splenomegaly, peripheral blood and bone marrow examination were all normal. Histopathological feature of patients displayed great diversity and heterogeneity. Immunohistochemical studies showed positive CD3, CD43, CD45RO and negative CD10, CD20, CD79a. Two patients were treated with CHOP regimen, 1 patient adopted EPOCH therapy, and another 1 case was treated with DHAP. All 4 patients responded well to chemotherapy and they were all alive following 10 to 48 months. It is concluded that primary gastric PTCL-NOS is extremely rare with no specific clinical manifestation. Therefore, the deep understanding the morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of this disease has vital significance for definite diagnosis. Compared with PTCL originated from other parts, primary gastric PTCL-NOS is sensitive to chemotherapy and shows good prognosis.