Indolent T-cell lymphoproliferative disease with synchronous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A case report

RATIONALE: Indolent T-cell lymphoproliferative disease (T-LPD) of gastrointestinal tract is a rare recently described disease that seldom progresses. We report a case of T-LPD with synchronous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that cause aggravation of disease. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 46-year-old Chinese male presented with intermittent paraumbilical colic pain, bloating, and occasional diarrhea for 10 years. His condition aggravated with partial bowel obstruction recently. The patient was diagnosed as T-LPD initially based on histological result and T-cell receptor-gamma clonal gene rearrangement test. The patient was followed without chemotherapy. His condition stabilized for 1 year and then deteriorated with small intestine perforation. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed as indolent T-LPD and DLBCL finally. INTERVENTIONS: The patient had surgery for intestine perforation and received chemotherapy for DLBCL and T-LPD afterward. OUTCOMES: At 6 months follow-up, the patient continued to have resolution of his symptoms. LESSONS: Early detection of high-grade transformation of T-LPD or the coexistence of aggressive lymphoma is essential for the patient. DLBCL may coexist in the indolent course of T-LPD. The diagnosis of T-LPD should be made cautiously in case with progressing symptoms such as intestinal obstruction.