Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Presenting with Protein-losing Enteropathy during Treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Internal Medicine 2026 Open access

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Authors: Shintaro Yasui, Keisuke Nishimura, Yukina Tanimoto, Michio Mugitani, Tenyu Sugano, Marianne Linley Sy-Janairo, Daisuke Watanabe, Rina Sakai, H. Yamada, Jun Saegusa
DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.5934-25
Cited by: 2
References: 16

Abstract

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A 38-year-old woman with well-controlled SLE developed abdominal pain, lower-extremity edema, anemia, and hypoalbuminemia. The patient was then diagnosed with PLE. Despite treatment with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide, persistent hypoalbuminemia was observed. A biopsy was performed using double-balloon enteroscopy due to small bowel lesions, which confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma mimicking PLE associated with SLE. The possibility of malignant lymphoma should be considered in cases of treatment-resistant PLEs associated with SLE.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Lymphatic Disorders and Treatments Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Research Celiac Disease Research and Management

Publication details

Journal / source
Internal Medicine
Publisher
Japanese Society of Internal Medicine
Volume
65
Issue
16
Pages
2274–2279
Publication date
14 January 2026
Language
EN