Burkitt Leukemia Presenting as Acute Appendicitis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Am J Case Rep. 2020 Feb 13:21:e921568. doi: 10.12659/AJCR.921568.

Abstract

<strong>BACKGROUND</strong> Appendicitis is the most common cause of an acute abdomen. Approximately 1% of appendicectomies will have an incidental finding of an appendiceal neoplasm. A primary appendiceal lymphoma is extremely rare, and is found in 0.015% of all appendiceal specimens. Burkitt lymphoma is an aggressive B cell lymphoma characterized by translocation and dysregulation of the c-Myc gene. Burkitt leukemia is considered to be an alternative manifestation of the same pathology, and is defined by the presence of >25% Burkitt blasts within the bone marrow. The treatment approaches for Burkitt leukemia/lymphoma are similar. <strong>CASE REPORT</strong> A 6-year old girl presented with a history, examination, and radiological imaging consistent with acute appendicitis. An inflamed, edematous appendix was identified intraoperatively, and a cecectomy was performed. Histopathological investigations demonstrated Burkitt leukemia with isolated extra-nodal involvement of the appendix. The patient was subsequently started on a multi-agent steroid and chemotherapy regimen. A literature review was performed, identifying cases of Burkitt leukemia/lymphoma presenting as appendicitis. <strong>CONCLUSIONS</strong> This case highlights the importance of clinical vigilance and routine specimen histopathology review, and explores key management considerations associated with the incidental diagnosis of Burkitt leukemia/lymphoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen, Acute
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Appendectomy
  • Appendiceal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Burkitt Lymphoma / therapy*
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Steroids / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Steroids