Rare presentation of ileal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: a case of obstructive syndrome in a Moroccan patient

Abstract

The majority of extranodal lymphomas of the gastrointestinal tract involve the stomach and are often associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. When lymphomas occur in the small intestine, diffuse large B-cell lymphomas are most common; however, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas account for approximately one-third of small intestinal lymphomas. We report the case of an ileal MALT lymphoma in a 58-year-old Moroccan patient, characterized by its rare ileal localization and unusual presentation with an obstructive syndrome. Ileal MALT lymphoma is relatively uncommon compared to other gastrointestinal MALT lymphomas, such as gastric MALT lymphoma. Differentiating ileal MALT lymphoma from other tumors at this site based solely on clinical and radiological assessments can be challenging. Histopathological examination is pivotal for definitive diagnosis and for identifying underlying disease. Effective management relies on close collaboration among gastroenterologists, radiologists, surgeons, pathologists, and hematologists.