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Primary Effusion Lymphoma: Small Bowel Recurrence After Stem Cell Transplant
Sarah Mushtaq1, Sabrina Prabakaran1, Maher Elharake1
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.
ACG Case Reports Journal
|November 25, 2021
Summary
Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), an AIDS-associated cancer, can mimic gastrointestinal Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in appearance. Early diagnosis of PEL presenting as intestinal tumors is vital for improving patient survival.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare, aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma associated with advanced HIV/AIDS.
- PEL typically manifests as malignant effusions in body cavities.
- Endoscopic findings of PEL can be mistaken for Kaposi sarcoma (KS).
Observation:
- A case of PEL presented with small intestinal masses, exhibiting a macroscopic appearance similar to KS.
- Endoscopic evaluation and subsequent biopsies were crucial in diagnosing PEL in this case.
- This presentation highlights PEL as a differential diagnosis for gastrointestinal KS.
Findings:
- Primary effusion lymphoma can present as intestinal tumors, mimicking the endoscopic appearance of Kaposi sarcoma.
- Accurate diagnosis of PEL is essential for appropriate patient prognostication.
- Early identification of PEL, distinct from KS, can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering PEL in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal lesions resembling KS, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
- Distinguishing between PEL and KS is critical for guiding treatment strategies and improving survival.
- Enhanced endoscopic surveillance and diagnostic accuracy are necessary for managing AIDS-related malignancies.
