Truth lies below: A case report and literature review of typical appearing polyps yet with an atypical diagnosis

BACKGROUND: Enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) is a rare form of peripheral T-cell lymphoma and makes up less than 5% of gastrointestinal lymphomas. EATL can be divided into type 1 which is associated with celiac disease, and monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL), formally type 2, which is not associated with celiac disease. CASE SUMMARY: We present a 60-year-old African American female, without celiac disease, who presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and 30 lb. weight loss over a 3 month period. She was subsequently diagnosed with EATL throughout her entire gastrointestinal tract. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy with EOCH (Etoposide, Oncovin, Cyclophosphamide, and Hydroxydaunorubicin). EATL is most common in the Asian and Hispanic population yet the incidence in African Americans is uncertain and emphasizes the rarity of this case. A literature review was included to further emphasize similarities and differences between our case and previously reported cases of MEITL. CONCLUSION: The patient was diagnosed with EATL, immunochemical testing was not conclusive for MEITL however was suggestive of the disease.