Massive bleeding in small intestinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma associated with COVID-19 infection: a case report

Abstract

Abstract The increased risk of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is closely associated with chronic antigenic stimulation, with infection being the most common cause of recurrence. Lesions are usually associated with the gastrointestinal tract, and the involvement of small intestinal is rare. Recent studies have established a close relationship between novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) and the occurrence and progression of various diseases. This article presents a rare case of a small intestinal MALT lymphoma. The patient was initially admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia and subsequently developed gastrointestinal bleeding during hospitalization. Medical and endoscopic treatments were ineffective, and an emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed. The affected segment of the small intestine was excised, and a pathological biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of MALT lymphoma. This case underscores the significance of raising clinical awareness of this condition among health care professionals.