Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench

Abstract

Esophageal lymphoma is a rare condition, accounting for less than 1% of all gastrointestinal lymphomas. Primary extra nodal esophageal lymphoma constitutes less than 0.2% cases of the total esophageal lymphomas. The definition of primary GI lymphoma has differed among authors. The etiology of the disease is unknown, with the role of Epstein-Barr virus being controversial. The common symptoms of patients with esophageal lymphoma include dysphasia, odynophagia, weight loss, chest pain or present as a result of complications. Burkitt’s lymphoma is one of the fastest growing human malignancies, with a 100% replication rate. Endemic, sporadic (non-endemic) and immunodeficient variants have been recognized. The diagnosis of Burkitt’s lymphoma relies on morphologic findings, immunophenotyping results, and cytogenetic features. Burkitt’s lymphoma is usually treated with LMB-96 protocol depending on the risk stratification. We present a case of primary esophageal Burkitt’s lymphoma, which has been successfully treated with LMB-96 protocol. An extensive review of literature did not reveal a single case of esophageal Burkitt’s lymphoma. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case report in the world literature with diagnosis of primary esophageal Burkitt’s lymphoma.