Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma and its immunocarcinogenic correlates: case report and review of the literature

Crit Rev Oncog. 1998;9(1):63-81. doi: 10.1615/critrevoncog.v9.i1.50.

Abstract

We report a case of enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL), diagnosed by small intestine and gastric biopsies, who presented with manifestations of hypocalcemia and malabsorption. Immunological assessment revealed increased expression levels of tumor necrosis factor system components and eotaxin, an observation that is consistent with the cytotoxic T-cell phenotype characteristic of EATL, and decreased numbers of circulating activated (CD8+CD38+ and CD4+CD25+) and suppressor (CD11b+) T cells, a feature which can contribute to lymphomagenesis in patients with celiac disease. The acute clinical presentation of the patient resolved with mineral and vitamin supplementation and a gluten-free diet. The novel immunological findings described are discussed in the context of a review of our current knowledge of the immunopathogenesis of celiac disease and associated intestinal neoplasia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies / analysis
  • Antigens, CD / analysis
  • Celiac Disease / complications*
  • Celiac Disease / immunology*
  • Celiac Disease / pathology
  • Female
  • Gliadin / immunology
  • Glutens / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / complications
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / immunology*
  • Reticulin / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Antigens, CD
  • Reticulin
  • Glutens
  • Gliadin