Intussusception due to non Hodgkin's lymphoma; different experiences in two children: two case reports

Abstract

In children, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma has been found to be the lead point in intussusception involving the terminal ileum. We present here two cases of ileal primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which presented as intussusception, highlighting the differing presentations of these children and their outcome, with a brief review of the literature.

Intestinal polypoid arteriovenous malformation: unusual presentation in a child and review of the literature

“…A pathologic lead point is identified in only 1.5–12% of children with intussusception; most common one being Meckel’s diverticulum. Other lead points, although uncommon, have been reported including non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma (4), mass of ascaris lumbricoides (5), leiomyoma, polyps and AVMs.…”

Burkitt's lymphoma presenting as jejunojejunal intussusception in a child: A case report

“…Abdominal pain is present in 80% of cases, along with nausea, vomiting, changes in bowel habits and weight loss. Intestinal involvement by NHL was associated with an increased frequency of abdominal symptoms resulting in earlier laparotomies and earlier diagnosis [4]. Previous author's experiences with the combination of NHL with intussusception have not been satisfactory.…”

“…The incidence of NHL acting as lead point in intussusception is reported to be as high as 17%, and even higher (more than 50%) in children over 4-6 years of age [4]. Abdominal pain is present in 80% of cases, along with nausea, vomiting, changes in bowel habits and weight loss.…”

“…Burkitt's lymphoma patients who present with intussusception have a low stage disease (stage II), have a complete resection of their tumor, require shorter-duration, and less intense chemotherapy than patients diagnosed in other ways. Extent of disease at presentation and the resectability has been found to be the most important prognostic factor [4].…”

“…Some reports demonstrate higher survival rate (58-89%) in patients having extensive surgical resection versus patients having only partial or incomplete resection (40-45%) at 2-5 years [3]. Complete resection of the tumor was shown to have the added advantage of avoiding bowel perforation, gastrointestinal hemorrhage or the tumor lysis syndrome after the initiation of chemotherapy [4]. Chemotherapy represents a cornerstone in the treatment of these patients and offers an excellent chance for long term disease free survival.…”