Abstract

BACKGROUND: Follicular B cell lymphomas account for a significant portion of all newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. While involvement can be varied, the most common extranodal presentation is within the gastrointestinal tract beyond the stomach. In addition, the stomach has a diffuse multivessel vascular supply, which decreases the likelihood of developing ischemic gastritis.

CASE REPORT: An 89-year-old woman with history of diabetes, deep venous thromboembolism, and hypertension was referred due to a newly diagnosed retroperitoneal mass. Biopsy of a left para-aortic node was consistent with low-grade follicular B cell lymphoma. Following mainstream treatment guidelines, rituximab was administered. Approximately 12 hours later, the patient presented to the Emergency Department with intractable vomiting and nausea. After admission, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed extensive ischemic gastritis. Due to recurrent ascites requiring frequent paracenteses, and the clinical aggressiveness of the patient’s underlying lymphoma, a second dose of rituximab was administered with concurrent initiation of total parenteral nutrition. Approximately 1 week later, the patient underwent a repeat EGD for quality of life planning while in hospice. The repeat EGD revealed resolved ischemic gastritis. Her diet was advanced and she was subsequently discharged home.

CONCLUSIONS: Rituximab alone shows promise in treating extensive follicular B cell lymphoma complicated by ischemic gastritis, which has not been previously reported in the literature.

Keywords: gastritis, Ischemia, Lymphoma, Follicular