Colonic Burkitt's lymphoma related to bowel obstruction in adults: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is an uncommon cause of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults. BL-related intussusception causing intestinal obstruction in adults is rare. Symptoms are often misleading and make diagnosis difficult. We aim to present an adult case of a Colonic BL related to bowel obstruction. Here, we are presenting a case of a 29-year-old Saudi male patient who presented with symptoms of bowel obstruction. Abdominal examination found abdominal distention with a palpable mass in the right lower quadrant with mild tenderness. After chest, abdomen, and pelvic enhanced computed tomography with intravenous contrast, colonoscopy, and histopathological examination, the patient was diagnosed with colonic BL, which caused him bowel obstruction. Chemotherapy has been started based on Hyper CVAD chemotherapy protocol. After receiving the complete Chemotherapy on July 2019, patient's symptoms improved; there is no longer abdominal pain; he is passing stool, usually with no blood or mucus. Two months post last cycle of chemotherapy the patient presented again to the hospital with symptoms and images showed refractory disease to first-line chemotherapy. He passed away one month after this admission.