Low-Grade Gastric Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma: Correlation of Radiographic and Pathologic Findings

PURPOSE: To describe upper gastrointestinal (GI) examination findings of low-grade gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma and to correlate them with pathologic examination findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of upper GI examinations was performed in 25 patients with proved low-grade gastric MALT lymphomas. Upper GI examinations were reviewed for common findings and most probable diagnosis, and these findings were correlated with pathologic findings in resected specimens in 15 patients. RESULTS: The common findings at upper GI examination included mucosal nodularity (n = 13), ulcer (n = 12), rugal thickening (n = 6), mass (n = 4), and enlarged areae gastricae (n = 2). The most probable diagnoses were early gastric carcinoma (n = 7), advanced gastric carcinoma (n = 6), gastritis (n = 9), and lymphoma (n = 3). Of 17 lesions found on resected specimens, six ulcers and two masses were not depicted at barium study. Disorganized convergent rugae projecting to multiple points and vague ulcer margins were present in four and seven lesions, respectively. Multiple ulcers were seen in two patients. CONCLUSION: Although the common radiographic and pathologic findings observed in low-grade gastric MALT lymphomas were similar to those of gastric carcinomas or gastritis, disorganized convergent rugae, vague ulcer margins, and multiplicity of lesions may be helpful in differentiating them from gastric carcinomas or gastritis.