# Monomorphic Epitheliotropic Intestinal T-cell Lymphoma With Initial Pulmonary Symptoms: A Case Report

**Authors:** Amy Yeung, TaeHoon Kim, Jason Suh, Metin Taskin, Sita Chokhavatia

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.79209 · Cureus · 2025-02-18

## TL;DR

A rare case of intestinal T-cell lymphoma initially showed lung symptoms, highlighting the importance of considering this disease in patients with both lung and gut issues.

## Contribution

This case report expands the understanding of MEITL by documenting its rare pulmonary presentation and extraintestinal manifestations.

## Key findings

- MEITL presented initially with pulmonary symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and hemoptysis.
- Biopsy confirmed MEITL with specific immunophenotype markers (TCR-delta+, CD8+, CD56+, CD103+).
- The case emphasizes the need for early diagnosis in patients with combined pulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms.

## Abstract

Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL) is a rare and aggressive T-cell lymphoma that primarily affects the small intestine. Our case highlights a 60-year-old woman who initially presented with dyspnea, cough, and hemoptysis, followed by gastrointestinal symptoms during hospitalization. Imaging revealed cavitary lung masses, and biopsies confirmed MEITL with a TCR-delta+, CD8+, CD56+, and CD103+ immunophenotype. Endoscopy revealed duodenal nodularity and gastric ulcers; colonoscopy showed diffuse colonic inflammation. This case emphasizes the rare pulmonary involvement in MEITL and expands the limited literature on its extraintestinal manifestations. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for MEITL in patients presenting with both pulmonary and concurrent gastrointestinal complaints. Early recognition and biopsy-driven diagnosis are critical for timely intervention in this aggressive malignancy.

## Linked entities

- **Proteins:** Tcrd (T cell receptor delta chain), CD8A (CD8 subunit alpha), NCAM1 (neural cell adhesion molecule 1), ITGAE (integrin subunit alpha E)
- **Diseases:** Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MONDO:0958096)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** ITGAE (integrin subunit alpha E) [NCBI Gene 3682] {aka CD103, HUMINAE}, NCAM1 (neural cell adhesion molecule 1) [NCBI Gene 4684] {aka CD56, MSK39, NCAM}, CD8A (CD8 subunit alpha) [NCBI Gene 925] {aka CD8, CD8alpha, IMD116, Leu2, p32}
- **Diseases:** malignancy (MESH:D009369), dyspnea (MESH:D004417), gastrointestinal symptoms (MESH:D012817), cough (MESH:D003371), colonic inflammation (MESH:D007249), Epitheliotropic Intestinal T-cell Lymphoma (MESH:D016399), gastric ulcers (MESH:D013276), hemoptysis (MESH:D006469), cavitary lung masses (MESH:D008171), gastrointestinal (MESH:D005767)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11924291/full.md

## References

12 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11924291/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11924291