Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Background and Clinical Significance: Burkitt lymphoma is an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma of B-cell origin, caused by a MYC gene translocation on chromosome 8. There are three clinical subtypes, of which the sporadic subtype is most prevalent in the United States. Sporadic Burkitt lymphoma is diagnosed at a median age of 30 years and commonly manifests as bulky abdominal lesions, most often involving the ileocecal region. Pancreatic involvement is uncommon, and presentation as acute pancreatitis secondary to Burkitt lymphoma is exceedingly rare. Case Presentation: We present a case of a young male who presented with epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. He had a diffusely tender abdomen and elevated lipase levels. On imaging, he was found to have large retroperitoneal and intraperitoneal masses, contiguous with an enlarged pancreas. Burkitt lymphoma was confirmed upon biopsy of duodenal and gastric masses via endoscopic ultrasound. MRI brain and testicular ultrasound revealed unilateral fifth cranial nerve and bilateral testicular involvement, respectively. His course was complicated by bowel perforation requiring urgent surgery. However, he achieved complete remission with dose-dense systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy. Conclusions: This case highlights the diverse presentations of Burkitt’s lymphoma and a favorable prognosis with treatment. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for a malignant etiology of acute pancreatitis in patients without classic risk factors.
Language: English
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,689
OpenAlex ID: W7141673537