Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma presenting as acute small intestinal perforation: a case...

To report a rare case of monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL) presenting with acute gastrointestinal perforation and to describe the use of an exploratory regimen combining a BCL-2 inhibitor (Venetoclax) with CHOP chemotherapy, highlighting the diagnostic challenges and therapeutic considerations for this aggressive disease.

We detail the clinicopathological journey of a 72-year-old male patient who presented with an acute abdomen. The diagnosis was established through surgical pathology and comprehensive immunohistochemistry. Following an initial treatment refusal and a subsequent disease recurrence manifesting as a second perforation, the patient received Venetoclax combined with CHOP. The relevant literature was reviewed to inform the diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.

Emergency surgery for perforation revealed MEITL (initially staged as Lugano stage I). The patient initially declined therapy but presented 9 months later with recurrent perforation, confirmed as disease relapse via pathology. Immunohistochemistry showed tumor cells were CD3 (weakly positive), CD8+, CD56+, Bcl-2 (3+), and Ki-67 (~60%). Postoperative PET/CT revealed limited retroperitoneal lymph node involvement. The patient received four cycles of Venetoclax (200 mg/day, days 1-14) plus CHOP, achieving complete metabolic remission on follow-up PET/CT without significant myelosuppression. The 9-month untreated interval despite high Ki-67 is noteworthy.

MEITL is a highly aggressive lymphoma often presenting as a surgical emergency. Diagnosis relies on histopathology and a characteristic immunophenotype (CD3+ CD8+ CD56+). This case suggests that incorporating BCL-2 inhibition into the treatment of Bcl-2-high MEITL may represent a biologically rational strategy. Besides, the prolonged untreated interval observed in this patient highlights the potential biological heterogeneity of MEITL. While the observed complete metabolic remission is encouraging, this finding remains hypothesis-generating and requires validation in larger studies.