A case of peritoneal Burkitt's lymphoma mimic of peritoneal tuberculosis

Abstract

Peritoneal lymphomatosis is a rare presentation of lymphoma that can mimic peritoneal tuberculosis. The computed tomography findings in both conditions include omental caking, thickening, and nodularity. We report the case of a 41-year-old man who presented with intermittent abdominal pain and distension. Abdominal CT initially suggested peritoneal tuberculosis due to the thickening of the peritoneum and greater omentum with multiple nodules. However, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) images showed diffuse metabolic activity increase in the thickened peritoneum, omentum, and mesentery. An omental biopsy was performed under ultrasonography guidance, and histopathological examination revealed a high-grade Burkitt lymphoma. It is crucial to distinguish peritoneal lymphomatosis from tuberculosis, as the prognosis and management of the two conditions are vastly different.

Keywords

• Peritoneal Burkitt's lymphoma
• Peritoneal tuberculosis
• PET/CT
• 18F-FDG
• CT