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"Mediterranean lymphoma" treated with antibiotics
S Matsumoto1, Y Kinoshita, H Fukuda
1Department of Medicine, Kobe University School of Medicine.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Mediterranean lymphoma, a rare duodenal cancer, was successfully treated with antibiotics in a 74-year-old woman. This suggests a potential link to bacterial infection, similar to gastric MALT lymphoma.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mediterranean lymphoma is a rare gastrointestinal lymphoma.
- Its pathogenesis and optimal treatment remain areas of investigation.
- Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is known to be associated with bacterial infection and responsive to antibiotic therapy.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old female presented with abdominal pain and duodenal erosions/ulcerations.
- Biopsies revealed significant infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells in the duodenal submucosa.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed these cells expressed alpha heavy chains, with elevated serum IgA and a monoclonal alpha heavy chain protein.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms resolved, serum IgA normalized, and duodenal ulcerations healed following antibiotic treatment.
- This case suggests a potential bacterial etiology for Mediterranean lymphoma.
- The findings highlight similarities between Mediterranean lymphoma and MALT lymphoma in their potential response to antibiotics.
Implications:
- Antibiotic therapy may be a viable treatment option for Mediterranean lymphoma.
- Further research into the role of bacterial infections in Mediterranean lymphoma is warranted.
- This case broadens the understanding of treatable gastrointestinal lymphomas.