Imaging findings of primary monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma: A case report

Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL) is an uncommon and highly aggressive form of lymphoma that represents less than 1% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. At present, few reports have focused on the imaging findings of MEITL, which poses significant challenges for clinical diagnosis.

A 78-year-old female with recurrent vomiting and abdominal distension was admitted to our hospital. Magnetic resonance and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) examinations revealed multiple segmental malignant tumors in the small intestine with mesenteric lymph node metastasis. An endoscopic biopsy revealed MEITL. After three cycles of reduced-dose cyclophosphamide, vinorelbine, and prednisone chemotherapy, follow-up ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated a partial response to treatment. The patient was still alive after 6 months of follow-up.

Magnetic resonance imaging serves as a valuable tool in detecting malignant tumor lesions of MEITL, whereas ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT offers additional assistance in tumor staging and assessing treatment efficacy.