Perforated intestinal lymphoma in post-renal transplantation--a case report

This is a case report of a 39-year-old male. Sudden onset of abdominal pain occurred 5 months after a successful cadaveric renal transplant. The immunousuppressants chosen were cyclosporin-A, prednisolone and azathioprine. A small bowel perforation was noted 100cm proximal to ileocecal area during emergent laparotomy. Mesentery lymphadenopathy was also noted. Segmental resection with end-to-end anastomosis was done. The pathology revealed a diffuse mixed small and large cell malignant lymphoma. The postoperative course was smooth and one course of acyclovir therapy was given 2 months after the emergency procedure. From this case and literature review, we know posttransplant lymphoma of the small intestine is very rare, but it should be considered in every posttransplant victim with abdominal symptoms.