Abstract

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an uncommon form of lymphoma in adults. In this disease, extensive involvement of the omentum and the peritoneum is rare. We present this case with ascites because it is such a rare and overlooked clinical presentation of BL.
A previously healthy 20-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with abdominal pain, distension, and night sweats. Physical examination revealed massive ascites. Computerized tomography showed liver metastasis and ascites, but no pathologic thoracal or abdominal lympadenopathy was reported. Atypical lymphocytic cells with cytoplasmic vacuoles were determined on cytologic examination of ascites. We detected starry sky view on the bone marrow examination. On immunophenotyping, cells were CD20 positive, but negative for CD30, CD79a/Tdt. Patient was diagnosed as BL.
Burkitt lymphoma should be considered in young patients presenting with ascites and hepatic mass even without lymphadenopathy or focal gastrointestinal masses.

Key words: Ascite; Hepatic Involvement; Burkitt Lymphoma.