Nodular Lymphoid Hyperplasia of the Gastrointestinal Tract : a comprehensive review

Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia (NLH) is a rare benign condition that is characterized by diffuse hyperplasia of the lymphoid follicles of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). During endoscopy, NLH appears as multiple or occasionally innumerable nodules measuring a few millimeters in diameter. NLH occurs mainly in the small intestine, less commonly in the large intestine and rarely involves the stomach. There are multiple associated diseases such as immunoglobulin deficiency syndromes, giardiasis, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, HIV and celiac disease. NLH elicits a wide range of symptoms that can range from asymptomatic to chronic diarrhea, weight loss, bleeding from the rectum and, very infrequently, intestinal obstruction. The clinical significance of NLH relies not only on the associated conditions but also on the possible complications. The most important of which are malignant transformation, particularly to gastric carcinoma, and intestinal or extra-intestinal lymphoma. There is no consensus regarding the management and surveillance of NLH. However, surveillance is recommended by most authors, but the intervals and duration have not yet been identified.