Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma presenting as melena with long-term survival: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma(MEITL)is a rare primary intestinal T-cell lymphoma,previously known as enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma type II.MEITL is an aggressive T-cell lymphoma with a poor prognosis and high mortality rate.The known major complications of MEITL are intestinal perforation and obstruction.Here,we present a case of MEITL that was diagnosed following upper gastrointestinal bleeding from an ulcerative duodenal lesion,with recurrence-free survival for 5 years.CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with melena and mild anemia.An urgent esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)revealed bleeding from an ulcerative lesion in the transverse part of the duodenum,for which hemostatic treatment was performed.MEITL was diagnosed following repeated biopsies of the lesion,and cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin,vincristine,and prednisone(CHOP)chemotherapy was administered.She achieved complete remission after eight full cycles of CHOP therapy.At the last follow-up examination,EGD revealed a scarred ulcer and 18Fluorodeoxyglucose(18FDG)positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed no abnormal FDG accumulation.The patient has been in complete remission for 68 mo after initial diagnosis.CONCLUSION To rule out MEITL,it is important to carefully perform histological examination when bleeding from a duodenal ulcer is observed.

Chidamide based combination regimen for treatment of monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T cell lymphoma following radical operation:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T cell lymphoma(MEITL)is a rare extranodal T-cell lymphoma that has uniformly aggressive features with a poor prognosis.No standardized treatment protocols have been established.Previous experience has demonstrated favorable outcomes with combination chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant.However,many patients are unable to tolerate the toxicities.Chidamide is a new histone deacetylase inhibitor that has shown preferential efficacy in mature T-cell lymphoma.CASE SUMMARY We herein present two cases of MEITL who were both intermediate risk according to enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma prognostic index.Case one was a 61-year-old man.He complained of upper abdominal pain and intermittent black stool for 2 mo.Imaging examination revealed that the intestinal wall was thickened.He received a partial excision of the small intestine.A chidamidebased combination regimen was given postoperatively.Eleven months later,he presented with recurrence in the bilateral lungs.He passed away 15 mo after his diagnosis.Case two was a 35-year-old woman who complained of abdominal distention for 1 mo.Positron emission tomography/computed tomography demonstrated wall thickening of the small intestine and upper sigmoid colon.Colon perforation and septic shock occurred on the fourth day of her admission.She was treated by sigmoid colostomy.Chidamide-based combination therapy was then provided.She was recurrence-free for 6 mo until lesions were found in the bilateral brain and lived for 17 mo since her diagnosis.Compared to historical data,chidamide seems to improve the prognosis of MEITL slightly.CONCLUSION MEITL is a type of aggressive lymphoma.Chidamide is a new promising approach for the treatment of MEITL.

Surgical management of monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal Tcell lymphoma followed by chemotherapy and stem-cell transplant:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma(MEITL)is a rare and rapidly progressive intestinal T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma associated with a very poor prognosis and a median survival of 7 mo.Advances in the identification of MEITL over the last two decades have led to its recognition as a separate entity.MEITL patients,predominantly male,typically present with vague and nonspecific symptoms and diagnosis is predominantly confirmed at laparotomy.Currently,there are no standardized treatment protocols,and the optimal therapy remains unclear.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of MEITL that was initially considered to be gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)and Imatinib was administered for one cycle.The 62-yearold man presented with abdominal pain,abdominal distension,and weight loss of 20 pounds.Within 2 wk,the size of the mass considerably increased on computed tomography scans.The patient underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy with CHOP(cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin,vincristine,and prednisone)and stem-cell transplant.A correct diagnosis of MEITL was established based on postoperative pathology.Immunophenotypically,the neoplastic cells fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for MEITL as they were CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,CD56+,and TIA-1+.CONCLUSION Given that MEITL has no predisposing factor and presents with vague symptoms with rapid progression,the concomitant presence of abdominal symptoms and B symptoms(weight loss,fever,and night sweats)with hypoalbuminemia,anemia,low lymphocytic count and endoscopic findings of diffuse infiltrating type lesions should alert physicians to this rare disease,especially when it comes to Asian patients.Immediate laparotomy should then be carried out followed by chemotherapy and stem-cell transplant.

Truth lies below: A case report and literature review of typical appearing polyps yet with an atypical diagnosis

BACKGROUND Enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma(EATL) is a rare form of peripheral Tcell lymphoma and makes up less than 5% of gastrointestinal lymphomas. EATL can be divided into type 1 which is associated with celiac disease, and monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma(MEITL), formally type 2, which is not associated with celiac disease.CASE SUMMARY We present a 60-year-old African American female, without celiac disease, who presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and 30 lb. weight loss over a 3 month period. She was subsequently diagnosed with EATL throughout her entire gastrointestinal tract. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy with EOCH(Etoposide, Oncovin, Cyclophosphamide, and Hydroxydaunorubicin). EATL is most common in the Asian and Hispanic population yet the incidence in African Americans is uncertain and emphasizes the rarity of this case. A literature review was included to further emphasize similarities and differences between our case and previously reported cases of MEITL.CONCLUSION The patient was diagnosed with EATL, immunochemical testing was not conclusive for MEITL however was suggestive of the disease.