Published online Jan 16, 2019. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v11.i1.54
Peer-review started: November 20, 2018
First decision: December 9, 2018
Revised: December 27, 2018
Accepted: January 8, 2019
Article in press: January 8, 2019
Published online: January 16, 2019
Processing time: 57 Days and 19 Hours
Enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) is a rare form of peripheral T-cell 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.
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.
The patient was diagnosed with EATL, immunochemical testing was not conclusive for MEITL however was suggestive of the disease.
Core Tip: The purpose of this case is to highlight an unusual presentation and demographic of monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL). A comprehensive literature review of MEITL is included in the case to further emphasize similarities and differences between our case and previously reported cases of MEITL.