Epitheliotropic monomorphic intestinal T cell lymphoma: Case report and literature review

Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL) is a rare type of T-cell lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract that presents an aggressive course. Previously, this entity was named type II T-cell lymphoma associated with enteropathy. However, in later years it was classified as a different entity due to its particular characteristics. This neoplasm usually affects the jejunum and ileum and usually has a clinical presentation with intestinal perforation, intestinal obstruction or bleeding. Its diagnosis requires histopathological evaluation and differentiation from other types of T cell lymphomas that affect the intestine. Its prognosis is usually very poor and therapeutic options are limited and are based on induction chemotherapy followed by autologous bone marrow transplant. This article presents the first case of MEITL in Peru, in an elderly patient who presented at hospital emergency with intestinal perforation and that presented multiple relapses of the neoplasm.