A Case of Burkitt Lymphoma of the Appendix Complicated by Acute Appendicitis

Abstract

Burkitt lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract is an extremely rare disease. We here report on an adult case of Burkitt lymphoma of the appendix who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis. A 27-year-old man presented with right lower abdominal pain and was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Although conservative treatment was initially attempted, the symptoms recurred after discharge and appendectomy was performed. Pathological examination of the resected appendix revealed proliferation of atypical lymphoid cells from the appendiceal wall mucosa to the muscular layer. Atypical lymphocytes were found to be positive for CD20 and PAX5 with high MIB-1 index by immunohistochemistry, and c-myc translocation was determined by FISH analysis. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma and was treated with combination chemotherapy (R-hyper-CVAD / MA therapy) in the Department of Hematology. Burkitt lymphoma in the gastrointestinal tract often arises in the ileocecal region. It often presents with signs of acute abdomen requiring surgery, where early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment including chemotherapy are necessary.