Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma presenting with fulminant pseudomembranous colitis

Abstract

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma is a rare entity that usually presents in late stages with non-specific symptoms. We present a case of an incidentally discovered intravascular large B-cell lymphoma in a 78-year-old man who underwent colectomy for medically refractory pseudomembranous colitis. The malignant lymphocytes were preferentially localized to small colonic submucosal vasculature, without any evidence of an extravascular tumor mass. The gastrointestinal system is an exceeding rare initial diagnostic site for intravascular lymphoma, and presentation with pseudomembranous colitis has not been previously reported. We discuss the current definition of intravascular lymphoma, clinicopathological variants, differential diagnoses, as well as current therapy.