Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma without a prior diagnosis of coeliac disease: Diagnostic dilemmas and management options [1]

Abstract

Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) ultimately develops in 7-10% of patients with long-standing coeliac disease. In patients without a prior diagnosis of coeliac disease this is a very rare disorder, and the diagnosis in such cases is often difficult and delayed due to the non-specific nature of the symptoms and a very low index of clinical suspicion. Standard anti-lymphoma therapies have minimal utility in patients with EATL, and their prognosis is poor. An added difficulty is the high risk of intestinal perforation especially with the commencement of treatment due to the multifocal nature of bowel disease and poor underlying nutrition and tissue integrity. To illustrate these pro..