Complete Endoscopic and Histopathological Remission of Mantle Cell Lymphoma of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare and incurable subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Primary gastrointestinal (GI) MCLs are even rarer, accounting for only 1%-4% of GI lymphomas. We describe a case of a 77-year-old female who presented with complaints of indigestion and abdominal bloating. An upper endoscopy was performed which revealed a duodenal bulb polyp, biopsies of which were consistent with MCL. She was initially observed without any chemotherapy; however, a repeat endoscopy two years later revealed that she now also had MCL of the ileocecal valve. The patient was initiated on treatment with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CVP). She underwent regular surveillance with her oncologist after completion of her chemotherapy and repeat surveillance scans remained negative for any recurrence. A repeat upper endoscopy with endoscopic ultrasound and colonoscopy were performed which showed complete endoscopic and histopathological remission of her lymphoma. Patients with MCL typically have a poor prognosis; however, our patient remains symptom free and in complete remission six years from her initial diagnosis.