Diagnostic challenge of Burkitt’s lymphoma at early age

ABSTRACT

A four-year-old Ibanese boy presented with subacute abdominal distension for two months duration. Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan showed solid liver masses as well as bowel and intraperitoneal lesions. Initial diagnosis of intraperitoneal inflammatory process as in tuberculosis with non-liquefied liver abscess with differential diagnosis of neoplastic process was made. Liver biopsy and peritoneal fluid analysis revealed Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL). We aim to highlight the diagnostic challenge of BL in this young age group emphasizing on the ultrasound and CT features of intraabdominal BL. We would also want to stress the importance of early diagnosis of BL as it is known to be the most aggressive tumour within 24 hours yet to have good survival if early diagnosis was made.