J Korean Surg Soc.  2009 Jan;76(1):61-65. 10.4174/jkss.2009.76.1.61.

Discrepant Bowel Perforation from a Primary Lesion after Chemotherapy of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Affiliations
  • 1Division of Gastoenterologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea. dockim@chonnam.ac.kr

Abstract

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, representing approximately one-third of all cases and involving the gastrointestinal tract in about 18%. With the development of modern chemotherapeutic regimens and advances in medical care, the prognosis for malignant lymphoma can be excellent. However, because of the aggressive adjuvant therapy required, complications such as bowel perforation may be fatal. In cases of chemotherapy for malignant lymphoma, we should keep in mind the possibility of perforation of the bowel after chemotherapy. Early detection is important to save patients.

Keyword

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma; Chemotherapy; Perforation; Early detection

MeSH Terms

Gastrointestinal Tract
Humans
Lymphoma
Lymphoma, B-Cell
Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin
Prognosis

Figure

  • Fig. 1 Immunohistochemical staining for CD 79. There were large nuclei in each case. Tonsil (A), Terminal ileum (B), Intra-abdominal mass (C)(Immunohistochemical staining, ×400).

  • Fig. 2 Abdominal computed tomography. A large amount of fluid and free air (arrow) in the peritoneal cavity (A). Multiple pockets of free air were present in the peritoneal cavity and Morrison's pouch (B). A small area of free air was present around the porta hepatis (C).

  • Fig. 3 The area of perforated bowel. Mild mucosal destruction with an irregular surface, intense inflammatory cell infiltration, and perforation (A). The bowel showed mucosal ischemic changes and submucosal edema, with hemorrhage and serosal inflammation (B). The specimen contained many foamy macrophages and multinucleated giant cells in the submucosa and muscle proper, with serosal reaction and a focal segment of mucosal ulceration (C)(H&E, ×20).


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