EBV-Positive Intravascular Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Small Intestine: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare lymphoma that affects the brain, skin, and bone marrow. We describe the case of a 75-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital after 4 h of stomach aches. A thorough physical examination indicated stomach discomfort and skin discoloration. Laboratory tests revealed thrombocytopenia and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed that the small intestine wall was thickened, edematous, and necrotic. The necrotic small bowel was surgically removed, revealing many little round, homogenous, and unusual cells in the mesenteric vein. In-situ hybridization revealed that these cells were positive for PAX5, CD20, CD79a, CD10, and BCL2, as well as Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA. After 1 week of hospitalization without treatment, the patient was diagnosed with IVLBCL and died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. IVLBCL is a rare illness that affects the small intestine and possibly the gastrointestinal system. It has an insidious start, a fast development, and a dismal prognosis. Knowing its clinicopathologic traits helps in understanding the illness, making an early diagnosis, and preventing rapid worsening.