[The clinical characteristics of patients with monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma characterized by minor endoscopic abnormalities].

Objective To clarify the clinical features of monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL) with minor endoscopic abnormalities. Methods The clinical data of 6 patients with MEITL characterized by minor endoscopic abnormalities in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2012 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed, including clinical manifestations, endoscopic, pathological features, medications and prognosis. Results Five out of 6 patients were male, with an average age of 61.2 years old. The median disease duration was 4.5 months. All patients initially presented with diarrhea without specific findings for serologic testing. CT enterography showed continuous intestinal lesions, including symmetric thickening of the bowel wall, abnormal hyperenhancement of mucosal surface and lymphadenopathy. Endoscopic appearances were only mildly abnormal, including mucosal swelling, atrophy of villus, mosaic sign and shallow ulcers. Histopathologic findings revealed massive small to medium sized T lymphocytes infiltration with positive expression of CD3 and CD8. Chemotherapy and palliative treatment were administrated after diagnosis. Conclusions Clinical presentations of MEITL are non-specific with minor endoscopic abnormalities. Therefore, biopsy is indispensable for patients with a relatively normal endoscopic result. Key words: Lymphoma; Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma; Endoscopic manifestation; Clinical features