Lymphoma with unusual manifestations resembling acute osteomyelitis in bilateral ankles of an 8-year-old boy: a case report

Abstract

Early proper diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is critical. However, without a high index of suspicion, the diagnosis can often be missed because of the nonspecific symptoms and normal plain radiographs. Further, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can be misdiagnosed as an infectious condition - such as osteomyelitis or septic arthritis - or as an inflammatory disease. The authors report a case of mature B-cell lymphoma of the small intestine or colorectal primary malignancy with peritoneal seeding and multiple bone metastases in an 8-year-old boy. This case report emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach with patients, including children with nonspecific symptoms, to orthopedic surgeons.