Recurrent lymphoma presenting as painless, chronic intussusception: A case report

The clinical presentation of acute lymphoblastic lymphoma is highly varied. While prognosis is good, recurrence of disease can occur. Gastrointestinal relapse, including intussusception, is well-described but the absence of abdominal pain in this setting is rare.

We report a 13-year-old male with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission presenting with anemia and weight loss. Examination was significant for absence of abdominal pain, but a stool sample was positive for occult blood. Pan-endoscopy was performed with colonoscopy revealing a mass filling the colonic lumen. Biopsy of the mass confirmed recurrence of recurrent B-cell lymphoma. Computed tomography scan revealed ileocolic intussusception resulting from the tumor. This case is unusual in that the patient had no abdominal pain despite the presence of intussusception.

While intestinal involvement with lymphoma has been well described in the literature, presentation as painless intussusception has not been reported. This case report highlights the wide spectrum of clinical manifestations of recurrent B-cell lymphoma involving the gastrointestinal tract, in particular the near absence of symptoms despite the finding of intussusception.