Pediatric Burkitt lymphoma presenting as acute pancreatitis: MRI characteristics

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis is a rare initial presentation of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with few reported cases described in older adults and even fewer in children. MRI features of Burkitt lymphoma of the pancreas are sparse in the radiologic literature. We present a 6-year-old boy who presented with pancreatitis and obstructive jaundice, which was the result of Burkitt lymphoma of the pancreas. The imaging findings of pancreatic involvement of Burkitt lymphoma on MRI are discussed and the contributory role of the radiologist in guiding the appropriate clinical work-up of this disease is highlighted.

Pancreatic Involvement of Burkitt Lymphoma in a Child and Review of the Literature

“…A definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy; however, imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic masses. On US, focal or diffuse hypoechoic areas of enlargement may be seen [2]. MRI findings in pediatric patients with BL have not been well described in the literature.…”

“…Pancreatic involvement in BL is rare and may be a manifestation of widely disseminated preterminal disease [2]. The head of the pancreas is a frequent site of involvement and there may be dilatation of the biliary tract.…”

“…MRI findings in pediatric patients with BL have not been well described in the literature. In adults, pancreatic involvement with BL lymphoma has been described as infiltrative or focal [2]. US is the accepted standard imaging modality for the evaluation of the gall bladder and the biliary tree and can be used in mild, uncomplicated cases of acute pancreatitis.…”

“…Pancreatic involvement rarely detected in childhood NHL [1][2][3][4][7][8][9][10][11]. Table I Pancreatic involvement of BL may be considered one of the causes of pancreatitis in children and can be overlooked in differential diagnosis of pancreatic masses.…”

“…Involvement of pancreas in childhood Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is unusual, and also jaundice, as a presenting manifestation of pediatric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), has sparsely been reported in literature [1][2][3][4]. Herein, we present a 13 year-old boy with NHL with obstructive jaundice and the unusual finding of pancreatic involvement.…”