Primary duodenal T/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma complicated with obstructive jaundice: A case report and review of literature.

Abstract

Background: T/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (T/HRBCL) is a highly aggressive subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma characterized histologically by the presence of a few neoplastic large B cells amidst an abundant background of reactive T lymphocytes and/or histiocytes. T/HRBCL commonly affects the lymph nodes, followed by extranodal sites, such as the spleen, liver, and bone marrow, with rare occurrences in the gastrointestinal tract. Primary gastrointestinal T/HRBCL lacks specific clinical and endoscopic manifestations, and it is difficult to differentiate from inflammatory diseases, nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, and other diseases on a histological basis, thereby hindering early diagnosis.

Case summary: A 63-year-old man was hospitalized with a one-month history of jaundice and weight loss of approximately 3 kg. Laboratory tests revealed increased hepatic parameters in a cholestatic pattern and elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a low-density mass within the descending duodenum and dilation of the bile and pancreatic ducts. He was clinically diagnosed with a duodenal tumor. During surgery, a 7.0 cm × 8.0 cm mass was identified within the descending duodenum, so pancreaticoduodenectomy and cholecystectomy were performed. Following operative biopsy, the tumor was diagnosed as primary duodenal T/HRBCL. The patient refused postoperative chemotherapy and died four months after surgery.

Conclusion: Primary duodenal T/HRBCL is an extremely rare and highly aggressive malignancy. The initial treatment strategies should be based on the original site of the tumor, the disease stage, and the patient's physical condition. Chemotherapy-based comprehensive treatment is still the main treatment method for primary gastrointestinal T/HRBCL.