Type I enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma in the colon of a 29-year-old patient and a brief literature review

Abstract

Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) is a rare gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, originating from intraepithelial T-lymphocyte, which is specifically associated with celiac disease. EATL most commonly presents in the sixth and seventh decades of life. We report a unique case of type I EATL in the colon with liver metastasis, which was presented with nonspecific radiological findings and at a very young age (29 years old) compared with previously published data. We suggest that EATL should be regarded as part of differential diagnosis in any patient presenting with abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and malabsorption because delay in treatment can result in an irreversible clinical outcome.

Keywords:

• enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma
• colon
• ulcer
• liver metastasis

Introduction

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine.¹ Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) is a rare gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, originating from intraepithelial T-lymphocyte, which is specifically associated with CD.² Based on the morphology, immunohistochemistry, and genetic profile, EATL can be divided into two groups. EATL type I is associated with refractory CD and comprises 80%–90% of all cases. EATL type II is sporadic, with no known association with CD, and comprises 10%–20% of all cases. The annual incidence of EATL is 0.5–1 per million people per year in Western countries. EATL most commonly presents in the sixth and seventh decades of life. Men and women appear to be equally affected.³

The disease was difficult to diagnose because it often presented with nonspecific clinical manifestations such as abdominal pain and fever and the endoscopic performance was also difficult to distinguish from intestinal tuberculosis, Crohn’s disease, intestinal Behcet’s disease, and colon cancers.⁴ Although histopathological examination is the gold standard for its diagnosis, in most cases, mucosal biopsy of highly malignant lesions could find only the infiltration of inflammatory cells.⁵ These reasons lead to high rates of misdiagnosis. We recently treated a patient with EATL at a very young age. Herein, we intend to introduce this case to improve the understanding of the disease and to avoid the clinical misdiagnosis.

Case presentation

A previously healthy 29-year-old Chinese man with no medical history reported to the practice after 2 weeks of yellowish staining of sclera, skin, and urine and 6 months of abdominal pain, diarrhea, intermittent hematochezia, and 20 kg weight loss. He was a local farmer. He had a 7-year smoking history with nearly 20 cigarettes per day. There were no similar symptoms, no infectious diseases, and no evident hereditary diseases in his family history, and no clear cut history of malabsorption was obtained. He was hospitalized and diagnosed with Crohn’s disease as colonoscopy revealed multiple mucosal ulcers in the colon and biopsy demonstrated noncaseating necrotic granuloma in the ileocecal junction mucosa. He was given mesalazine for 2 months without benefit. As the patient was observed to be febrile at 39.6°C for 4 days, he was transferred to our facility. Physical examination showed a temperature of 38.5°C, and he was tachycardic, and cachectic. There was a suspected shifting dullness and tenderness in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen with no further abnormalities, including the absence of palpable lymph nodes.

Initial laboratory investigation revealed raised inflammatory markers: white blood cell count 2.77×10⁹/L, C-reactive protein 3.4 mg/dL; severe anemia: hemoglobin 45 g/L, red blood cell count 2.42×10¹²/L; liver dysfunction: alanine aminotransferase 157 IU/L, aspartate aminotransferase 425 IU/L, total bilirubin 174 µmol/L, direct bilirubin 158.8 µmol/L, albumin 25.4 g/L, alkaline phosphatase 289 IU/L, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase 166 IU/L, activated partial thromboplastin time 41.1 seconds, prothrombin time% 68.9%; and electrolyte disturbances: K⁺ 3.1 mmol/L, Na⁺ 128.5 mmol/L, Cl⁻ 94.1 mmol/L. Stool examination revealed occult blood; repeat hemocultures and stool cultures were negative; autoantibodies, tuberculin test, serum alpha fetoprotein and carcinoma embryonic antigen were unrevealing. The patient was also negative for human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, and hepatic virus infection.

Abdominal ultrasound revealed seroperitoneum, enlargement of the liver and spleen, and chronic cholecystitis. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) (Figure 1) scan showed altered liver shape with multiple low-density shadow, considering abscess combining with enhancement CT; several swelling lymph nodes in the intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal, considering reactive hyperplasia; seroperitoneum; cholecystitis; bilateral pleural thickening and bilateral pleural effusion; and reduced heart density, considering anemia. Whole abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (Figures 2 and 3) showed abnormal shape and size of liver, multiple abnormal signals in liver parenchyma, considering abscess; several swelling lymph nodes in the intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal, considering reactive hyperplasia; morphological abnormality and signal disorder in ileocecal intestinal canal, considering inflammatory bowel disease combining with previous history; cholecystitis; hydrothorax; seroperitoneum; and pelvic effusion. The initial diagnosis was Crohn’s disease, fever of unknown (intra-abdominal abscess suspected), anemia, hypoproteinemia, electrolyte disturbances (hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia), and cholecystitis. Therefore, mesalazine was given for the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, levofloxacin lactate was used for anti-infection, compounds glycyrrhizin and reduced glutathione were used for hepatoprotection, other treatment including hemostatic therapy, blood transfusion, and nutritional support.

Figure 1 Abdominopelvic computed tomography.

Abbreviations: R, right; L, left.

Figure 2 Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (cross section).

Abbreviations: R, right; L, left.

Figure 3 Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (coronal plane).

Note: The arrow indicates morphological abnormality and signal disorder in ileocecal intestinal canal from abdominal magnetic resonance imaging.
Abbreviations: R, right; L, left.

On day 4 of his admission, the patient again had fever (the highest temperature was 40°C) and diarrhea (yellow liquid stools for more than ten times), so levofloxacin lactate was replaced by cefoperazone sodium and sulbactam sodium with ornidazole. On day 8 of his admission, the patient presented frequent hematochezia with fever (the highest temperature was 39°C); methylprednisolone and hemostatics were administered. On day 9 of his admission, hemorrhagic shock occurred by massive lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage with heart rate 130 counts per minute and blood pressure 85/50 mmHg. The total blood loss in day 8 and day 9 was nearly 1,800 mL; emergent colonoscopy at bedside was performed, which showed colon crispation, mass hematocele, and multiple inequivalence deep mucosal ulcers; the terminal ileum mucosa was edematous mucosa with a mosaic pattern, while the ileocecal valve was in an open state with deformities (Figure 4A); an ulcerated mass was also observed in ascending colon near the ileocecal junction (Figure 4B); multiple discrete or punched-out ulcerative lesions can be seen in the thickened mucosa in the rest of colon (Figure 4C).

Figure 4 Endoscopic findings and gross appearance of the ulcerated mass.

Notes: (A) Colonoscopy revealed that the terminal ileum mucosa is edematous mucosa with a mosaic pattern and the ileocecal valve is in an open state with deformities. (B) Colonoscopy revealed that an ulcerated mass was also observed in the ascending colon near the ileocecal junction. (C) Colonoscopy revealed that multiple discrete or punched-out ulcerative lesions can be seen in the thickened mucosa in the rest of colon. (D) A gross specimen was obtained from the ileocecal junction after right hemicolectomy. There is an ulcero-infiltrative mass measuring 6 cm ×6 cm ×2 cm. There is also a 3 cm ×2 cm ×2 cm gray white nodule that appears to extend to serosa.

Surgery was suggested after consultation of surgeons in view of the failed medical expectant treatment of alimentary tract hemorrhage. The preoperative diagnosis was Crohn’s disease, alimentary tract hemorrhage, anemia, hypoproteinemia, hepatophyma, hydrothorax, seroperitoneum, electrolyte disturbances (hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia), hemorrhagic shock, and cholecystitis. Emergency laparotomy was performed and intraoperative exploration had found that the liver was pervasive with diffused gray white nodules with hard texture, no wave motion, and compacted with neighboring tissues (the biggest one was approximately 3 cm ×2 cm ×2 cm); an apparent full dilatation of the colon with mass kermesinus blood, hyperemia, and edema in terminal ileum and colon and adhesion of cecum, lateral abdominal wall, and omentum majus; there was a 6 cm ×6 cm ×2 cm stiff ulcer with gray white color and hard texture that penetrated to placenta percreta in the ascending colon near the ileocecal valve. Lymphadenectasis can be seen in paracolic lymph nodes and mesentericae (Figure 4D). The intraoperative diagnosis was colon ulcer with hemorrhage and diffused occupying lesion in liver. Eventually, right hemicolectomy and liver-occupying lesion biopsy were executed.

Histologic examination demonstrated a dense and monomorphic small- to medium-sized lymphocytic infiltration in the mucosa and submucosa (Figure 5A). The immunohistochemical staining of the biopsy revealed scattered atypical large cells that were CD3, CD7, and CD30 positive and CD4, CD5, CD8, and CD56 negative (Figure 5B and C shows that CD3- and CD30-positive lymphoma cells are diffusely distributed). Liver sections revealed periportal and sinusoidal lymphohistiocytic infiltrates with intracellular debris (Figure 5D). Therefore, the final diagnosis was a type I EATL of the colon with liver metastasis. Unfortunately, the patient underwent steady deterioration and passed away due to disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ failure 3 days after surgery.

Figure 5 Histological findings of the ulcerated mass and liver biopsy.

Notes: (A) Hematoxylin and eosin staining of the specimens obtained by hemicolectomy showed infiltration of monomorphic and small- to medium-sized lymphoma cells in the mucosa and submucosa (×400). (B) Immunohistochemical staining revealed strong expression of CD3 by diffusely distributed atypical lymphocytes, confirming T-lymphocyte origin (×200). (C) Immunohistochemistry demonstrating diffuse strong positivity for CD30 was also observed (×200). (D) Hematoxylin and eosin staining of the specimens obtained by liver biopsy revealed periportal and sinusoidal lymphohistiocytic infiltrates with intracellular debris (×400).

The study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Lanzhou General Hospital of Lanzhou Military Command according to the standards of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Discussion

CD is a common disorder affecting ~1% of population in several developed countries.^6,7 EATL is the most common malignancy associated with CD. The association between CD and lymphoma was first described by Fairley and Mackie.⁸ Then, in 1980s, Isaacson et al^9,10 characterized these lymphomas as T-cell in origin. Followed by O’Farrelly et al¹¹ described lymphoma cells adjacent to atrophic intestinal villi and coined the term EATL in 1986. In 2%–3% of CD, malignant transformation occurred from a refractory state with intraepithelial lymphocyte aberration to ulcerative jejunitis before developing into EATL type I.¹² The time period between diagnosis of CD and onset of EATL varied from few months to several decades.

Weight loss, abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleed, or an acute abdomen due to ulceration, obstruction, or perforation are the most common presentations of EATL.¹³ Physical signs include fever, lymphadenopathy, skin rash, hepatomegaly, and a palpable abdominal mass.¹⁴ EATL commonly arises in jejunum or ileum and usually is multifocal with ulcerative lesions. In early stage, EATL is localized in gastrointestinal tract or mesenteric lymph node. As the disease progresses, it can spread to liver, spleen, skin, or other organs.

Early diagnosis of EATL may offer a possibility of cure but remains challenging. The diagnosis of EATL was predominantly made at laparotomy, and most patients underwent an emergency procedure.^15–17 In the current case, the diagnosis was initially regarded as Crohn’s disease according to colonoscopy finding and pathological examination. After admission, both CT and magnetic resonance imaging found liver abnormality that was regarded as inflammatory bowel disease complicated with liver abscess; we thought it was the reason for fever, but the treatment with anti-infection, anti-inflammatory drug therapy failed. Finally, the postoperative pathological examination resulted in the diagnosis of EATL with liver metastasis due to lower gastrointestinal bleeding and emergency operation. The liver abscess is a misdiagnosis; it is proved to be a metastasis from the colon. Thus, it is clear that the clinical differential diagnosis is rather difficult between EATL and Crohn’s disease. Histopathology is essential for confirming the diagnosis. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, malabsorption, and protein-losing enteropathy, all of which are similar to CD, making the distinction between patients with and without EATL very difficult.¹⁸

There is no validated and standardized treatment guideline for EATL, and overall reported results with varied modalities are unsatisfactory. The treatment options are chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy and surgery. The surgery has poor outcomes, and its role is limited to debulking or treating complications such as perforation and obstruction. Chemotherapy seems to be more beneficial rather than surgery; however, rapid progression of disease during primary treatment, nutritional deficiency, performance status impairment, and treatment-related complications may prevent the use of adequate chemotherapy and radiotherapy in most patients with EATL. The clinical course of EATL is very aggressive; limited studies have reported a dismal 5-year survival of <20%.^19,20 It has also been suggested that CD30 expression indicates a worse prognosis, and the present results reiterate the dismal outlook of patients with CD30-positive EATL.²¹ Recently, few case reports and small series have reported promising results in patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation.^{15,16,22–27} Alemtuzumab, humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody currently used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia or T-cell lymphoma, can be another option for EATL.^28,29 Although an improved survival has been reported after aggressive consolidation therapy, the true efficacy of those treatment modalities remains to be determined.

The current case is unique in that the patient was at a very young age compared with previously reported cases (median age of diagnosis is 60 years). We suggest that EATL should be regarded as part of differential diagnosis in any patient presenting with abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and malabsorption because delay in treatment can result in irreversible clinical outcome.

Acknowledgments

Patient consent was obtained from the relatives of the patient. We are grateful to Dr Qin-Jun Su, who is a pathologist in the Department of Pathology for providing the pathological pictures. The present study has been supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81500454; 81401041) and the Medical Research Fund of Lanzhou Military Command (CLZ15JA02).

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.