Regression of Rectal Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma but Persistence of Helicobacter pylori Infection of Gastric Mucosa After Administration of Levofloxacin: Report of a Case

Abstract

PURPOSE: Several articles have reported regression of rectal lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue after anti- Helicobacter pylori therapy. It remains unclear, however, whether lymphoma of rectal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue is related to Helicobacter pylori infection. METHODS: A 60-year-old woman visited our hospital with a complaint of hematochezia. On colonoscopy a pale, ulcerated protrusion approximately 3.5 cm in diameter was found in the rectum. Pathologic diagnosis of a biopsy specimen was low-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. The patient received a ten-day course of levofloxacin, and the cycle was repeated three times over seven months. RESULTS: Although persistence of Helicobacter pylori infection was confirmed, the tumor regressed completely. CONCLUSION: Our findings in this case suggest that rectal lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue may be related to unknown microorganisms other than Helicobacter pylori. Levofloxacin may be effective for treatment of rectal lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue regardless of Helicobacter pylori infection.