Response of gastric lymphoma to chemotherapy: radiographic appearance

Although the initial radiographic appearance of gastric lymphoma is well described, there are few descriptions of the evolution of these gastric lesions after chemotherapy. Double-contrast upper gastrointestinal examinations were performed in four patients with gastric lymphoma before and after chemotherapy. The following responses were observed: (1) complete resolution without scarring, (2) resolution to a benign-appearing ulcer, (3) ulceration within a plaque associated with a decrease in tumor mass, and (4) ulceration, perforation, and healing to a benign-appearing ulcer scar. Ulceration of gastric lesions after chemotherapy, observed in two cases, was associated with occult gastrointestinal bleeding. These tumors may regress in response to chemotherapy, leaving a benign-appearing ulcer or ulcer scar as the only radiographic evidence of a lymphomatous gastric lesion.