Gastrosplenic fistula occurring in lymphoma patients: Systematic review with a new case of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma

AIM To provide the overall spectrum of gastrosplenic fistula(GSF) occurring in lymphomas through a systematic review including a patient at our hospital.METHODS A comprehensive literature search was performed in the MEDLINE database to identify studies of GSF occurring in lymphomas. A computerized search of our institutional database was also performed. In all cases, we analyzed the clinicopathologic/radiologic features, treatment and outcome of GSF occurring in lymphomas. RESULTS A literature search identified 25 relevant studies with 26 patients. Our institutional data search added 1 patient. Systematic review of the total 27 cases revealed that GSF occurred mainly in diffuse, large B-cell lymphoma(n = 23), but also in diffuse, histiocytic lymphoma(n = 1), Hodgkin’s lymphoma(n = 2), and NK/T-cell lymphoma(n = 1, our patient). The common clinical presentations are constitutional symptoms(n = 20) and abdominal pain(n = 17), although acute gastrointestinal bleeding(n = 6) and infection symptoms due to splenic abscess(n = 3) are also noted. In all patients, computed tomography scanning was very helpful for diagnosing GSF and for evaluating the lymphoma extent. GSF could occur either post-chemotherapy(n = 10) or spontaneously(n = 17). Surgical resection has been the most common treatment. Once patients have recovered from the acute illness status after undergoing surgery, their long-term outcome has been favorable. CONCLUSION This systematic review provides an overview of GSF occurring in lymphomas, and will be helpful in making physicians aware of this rare disease entity.