Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia complicated with ileal Burkitt's lymphoma in an adult patient with selective IgA deficiency

INTRODUCTION: Primary lymphomas of the small intestine are rare. Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) occurs sporadically in adults. Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia (NLH) is a rare disorder characterized by diffuse nodular lesions, which represent hyperplastic lymphoid follicles, and it is often associated with immunodeficiency syndromes. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a 38-year-old male patient in a state of surgical emergency, suspected of Crohn’s disease, who had an unusual combination of NLH and BL of the proximal ileum. Furthermore, retrospectively analyzed documentation revealed selective IgA deficiency. DISCUSSION: Association between NLH and intestinal lymphomas in patients with immunodeficiency syndromes was indicated before. This case report supports the notion on NLH as a transition state between immunodeficiency and intestinal lymphomas. CONCLUSION: This is one of the first case reports which presents the combination of NHL and BL. The awareness of the existence of this rare combination, especially in young adult males, can improve the diagnostic accuracy and the treatment management.