Perforated rectal lymphoma in a renal transplant recipient: report of a case.

Abstract

We report the case of a renal transplant recipient with rectal lymphoma manifested by sudden onset of abdominal pain from a perforated rectum who was treated successfully with prompt surgical resection and reduction of immunosuppressants. An emergent anterior resection with Hartmann's procedure was done. Immunosuppressants were drastically reduced by discontinuation of cyclosporine. Pathologic examination showed diffusely infiltrated large-cell malignant lymphoma with an immunoblastic feature. The patient has been followed-up for four years, with no tumor recurrence or graft rejection. Rectal lymphoma, although rare, should be kept in the list of differential diagnoses for transplant recipients who exhibit lower gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, or abdominal pain.