Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma

Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL), previously termed enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, type I and at one time termed enteropathy-type T-cell lymphoma (ETTL), is a complication of celiac disease in which a malignant T-cell lymphoma develops in areas of the small intestine affected by the disease's intense inflammation. While a relatively rare disease, it is the most common type of primary gastrointestinal T-cell lymphoma. In 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) divided the disease into two subtypes: EATL type I and EATL type II. EATL typically occurs in patients with a history of celiac disease and who may have been previously diagnosed with Type I or II refractory disease.

Affected individuals present with worsening celiac disease symptoms of abdominal pain, malabsorption, diarrhea, weight loss, fever or night sweats. The cause of EATL, while not fully understood, is by definition related to celiac disease. The diagnosis of EATL is based on endoscopic findings. The disease is being studied by researchers.