51-year-old female with abdominal pain
Part A — Questions
Q1. Major finding(s) visible in the image (select all that apply):
Q2. Associated finding(s) related to the major finding:
see below
2. Findings
Radiological Findings

Axial CT images (a, c) with magnified views (b, d) demonstrate extensive and massive mesenteric adenopathy (white asterisks) and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy (white arrowheads). Despite the bulk of the disease, the mesenteric blood vessels are encased by the soft tissue mass without significant occlusion, creating the classic “sandwich sign.” Associated findings include bilateral solid renal masses (green arrowheads), ascites (yellow asterisks), and a benign hepatic cyst.
The disproportionately mild compression of vascular structures by such a large tumor volume is a key feature highly suggestive of lymphoma. The tumor’s characteristically soft and pliable consistency, often described pathologically as “fish flesh,” allows it to envelop structures rather than aggressively constricting them.
The constellation of massive mesenteric and retroperitoneal disease, the “sandwich sign,” discrete renal masses, and ascites confirms widespread systemic involvement. This presentation is highly characteristic of an advanced-stage, aggressive lymphoma.
Courtesy: Ashley Davidoff, MD | TheCommonVein.com (b79818-02b01Lb)
A) Answers Table
B) Findings Table
Other Images from this Case Axillary Adenopathy And Right Breast Swelling

Axial images at the thoracic inlet (a) and lung bases (b), along with coronal (c) and sagittal (d) reformats, demonstrate extensive and massive lymphadenopathy in the right axilla (pink arrowheads). This has resulted in secondary edema and thickening of the skin of the right breast due to lymphatic obstruction (white arrowheads, b, d). Associated findings include a left pleural effusion (yellow arrowhead, b) and a small amount of ascites (orange arrowhead, c).
The dominant finding is the bulky nodal disease in the axilla. The breast edema is a direct mechanical consequence of this lymphatic blockage. The presence of fluid in both the chest (pleural effusion) and abdomen (ascites) confirms a widespread, systemic process consistent with the patient’s known diagnosis of T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.
This combination of massive nodal disease with secondary lymphatic obstruction and serous effusions is indicative of advanced-stage, high-grade lymphoma.
Courtesy Ashley Davidoff, MD | TheCommonVein.net (b79818-01L)
Renal Involvement

A CT scan of a 51-year-old female reveals multiple solid masses involving both kidneys (green arrowheads) and a single simple cyst in the left kidney (yellow asterisk) . A small left pleural effusion is also present (pink asterisk) . Additionally, there are multiple known simple cysts within the liver (white asterisk).
The bilateral, solid renal masses are highly characteristic of secondary renal lymphoma (metastases). The presence of a pleural effusion further supports the diagnosis of a widespread systemic disease. The liver cysts are noted as benign and incidental findings, unrelated to the patient’s primary malignancy.
In the context of a known diagnosis of T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, these findings are consistent with advanced-stage, extranodal disease. The kidneys are a common site for hematologic spread in aggressive lymphomas.
Courtesy Ashley Davidoff, MD | TheCommonVein.net (b79818-03aL)
Cardiac Involvement

Axial CT through the heart of a 51-year-old female who presented with palpitations and known history of T cell Lymphoma. The dominant finding is a nodule in the free wall of the left ventricle (LV) (magnified b red arrowhead). Associated findings include skin thickening of the right breast(white arrowhead), a small left pleural effusion (orange arrowhead), ascites, (yellow arrowhead) and multiple simple cysts in the liver.
Synthesizing the clinical presentation of palpitations with the imaging findings of a nodule in the heart abnormal right breast, and serous effusions (pleural and peritoneal) makes a diagnosis of cardiac lymphoma, specifically T-cell lymphoma, highly probable. The simple liver cysts are noted as incidental findings.
Courtesy Ashley Davidoff, MD | TheCommonVein.net (b79818-00L)
C) Comments
D) Pearls
3. Diagnosis
| Section | Description |
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| Definition |
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| Cause |
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| Pathophysiology |
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| Structural Result |
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| Functional Impact |
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| Imaging |
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| Labs |
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| Treatment |
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| Prognosis |
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4. Medical History and Culture
| Section | Description |
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| Etymology |
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| AKA / Terminology |
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| Historical Notes |
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| Cultural or Practice Insights |
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| Notable Figures or Contributions |
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| Quotes and/or Teaching Lines |
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A Poem of the Deceitful Cell
From the marrow’s core, a lineage takes its flight,
To the thymus gland, bathed in nascent light.
A “T” for training, a purpose to defend,
But in one cell, this sacred journey’s end.
A mutiny within, a code that’s gone astray,
The lymphocyte divides, in a relentless ballet.
Through mesenteric fields, the silent armies creep,
While the body’s weary guardians fall to sleep.
On screen, a shadow, a layered, tell-tale sign,
A “sandwich” formed, a stark and somber line.
Vessels encased, a fate that seems concealed,
A truth in tissues, waiting to be revealed.
No Hodgkin’s mark, no Reed-Sternberg’s stare,
A different foe, a burden hard to bear.
Yet history’s pages, by Lennert and by Bright,
Turn palliation’s dusk to cure’s determined light.
6. MCQs
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Part A — Questions
| Question | Choices |
|---|---|
| Q1. The pathogenesis of many T-cell lymphomas involves constitutive activation of key signaling pathways. Which pathway has a preeminent role and is linked to chemotherapy resistance and poor outcomes? | 1 ☐ Wnt/β-catenin pathway 2 ☐ Hedgehog signaling pathway 3 ☐ PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway 4 ☐ JAK/STAT pathway |
| Q2. Which virally induced oncoprotein potently activates NF-κB and other pathways, driving T-cell proliferation that can culminate in Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATL)? | 1 ☐ Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) 2 ☐ Tax 3 ☐ Large T-antigen 4 ☐ E6/E7 |
| Q3. Long-standing, poorly controlled which autoimmune condition confers a high risk for Enteropathy-Associated T-cell Lymphoma (EATL)? | 1 ☐ Rheumatoid arthritis 2 ☐ Systemic lupus erythematosus 3 ☐ Celiac disease 4 ☐ Sjögren’s syndrome |
| Q4. The presence of fever, drenching night sweats, and significant weight loss in a patient with T-cell lymphoma has what primary implication for management and prognosis? | 1 ☐ It mandates immediate adjuvant radiation therapy 2 ☐ It modifies the Ann Arbor stage and indicates a worse prognosis 3 ☐ It is classified as a paraneoplastic syndrome requiring high-dose steroids 4 ☐ It is an absolute contraindication for autologous stem cell transplant |
| Q5. A patient with T-cell lymphoma has completed chemotherapy. A follow-up CECT shows residual mesenteric masses that are now homogeneous and near-fluid density (10–20 HU), and are PET-negative. What does this most likely represent? | 1 ☐ Hemorrhagic transformation of the lymphoma 2 ☐ Superimposed fungal infection with abscess formation 3 ☐ Complete metabolic response with sterile, low-density post-treatment changes 4 ☐ Active, viable tumor that has become cystic |
| Q6. On a staging CT for extensive mesenteric T-cell lymphoma, large confluent nodal masses encase the mesenteric vessels. What associated finding is best explained by the tumor’s impingement on low-pressure lymphatic channels? | 1 ☐ Arterial thrombosis and bowel infarction 2 ☐ Chylous (lymphatic) ascites 3 ☐ Mesenteric venous thrombosis 4 ☐ Pneumatosis intestinalis |
| Q7. The mesenteric “sandwich sign” is highly suggestive of lymphoma but not specific. Which condition can also mimic this appearance? | 1 ☐ Sclerosing mesenteritis 2 ☐ Carcinoid tumor 3 ☐ Metastatic carcinoma or infections such as tuberculosis 4 ☐ Retroperitoneal fibrosis |
Part B — Answers & Explanations
| Question | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Q1. The pathogenesis of many T-cell lymphomas involves constitutive activation of key signaling pathways. Which pathway has a preeminent role and is linked to chemotherapy resistance and poor outcomes? | 4 — JAK/STAT pathway | JAK/STAT activation is recurrent across PTCL and correlates with proliferation and adverse outcomes. Crescenzo, Cancer Cell 2015 |
| 1 — Wnt/β-catenin | Not a dominant driver across PTCL cohorts. | |
| 2 — Hedgehog | Limited evidence for central pathogenicity in PTCL. | |
| 3 — PI3K/AKT/mTOR | Important in subsets; less uniformly implicated than JAK/STAT. | |
| Q2. Which virally induced oncoprotein potently activates NF-κB and other pathways, driving T-cell proliferation that can culminate in Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATL)? | 2 — Tax | HTLV‑1 Tax constitutively activates NF‑κB and other cascades, promoting clonal expansion and survival. Matsuoka & Jeang, Nat Rev Cancer 2007 |
| 1 — EBNA1 | EBV protein; not the ATL driver. | |
| 3 — Large T‑antigen | Polyomavirus protein; unrelated to HTLV‑1. | |
| 4 — E6/E7 | HPV oncoproteins; associated with epithelial cancers. | |
| Q3. Long-standing, poorly controlled which autoimmune condition confers a high risk for Enteropathy-Associated T-cell Lymphoma (EATL)? | 3 — Celiac disease | Celiac disease (especially refractory) predisposes to EATL; risk rises with poor dietary adherence. Malamut, Dig Liver Dis 2013 |
| 1 — Rheumatoid arthritis | Raises general lymphoma risk; not specific for EATL. | |
| 2 — Systemic lupus erythematosus | Association not specific to EATL. | |
| 4 — Sjögren’s syndrome | More linked to MALT (B-cell) lymphoma. | |
| Q4. The presence of fever, drenching night sweats, and significant weight loss in a patient with T-cell lymphoma has what primary implication for management and prognosis? | 2 — It modifies the Ann Arbor stage and indicates a worse prognosis | These are “B” symptoms, which add the “B” suffix (e.g., IIB) and confer adverse prognosis in risk models. Cheson, J Clin Oncol 2014 |
| 1 — Immediate adjuvant radiation therapy | RT depends on site/stage; B symptoms don’t mandate RT. | |
| 3 — Paraneoplastic syndrome requiring high‑dose steroids | They are staging features, not a separate paraneoplastic entity. | |
| 4 — Absolute contraindication for autologous transplant | High‑risk features may prompt aggressive therapy; not a contraindication. | |
| Q5. A patient with T-cell lymphoma has completed chemotherapy. A follow-up CECT shows residual mesenteric masses that are now homogeneous and near-fluid density (10–20 HU), and are PET-negative. What does this most likely represent? | 3 — Complete metabolic response with sterile, low-density post-treatment changes | Residual low‑attenuation “ghost” masses are common after effective therapy; PET‑negativity indicates complete metabolic response (CMR). Barrington, J Clin Oncol 2014 |
| 1 — Hemorrhagic transformation | Acute blood increases attenuation; not near‑fluid density. | |
| 2 — Superimposed fungal infection | Expect rim enhancement/clinical sepsis; not PET‑negative uniform low density. | |
| 4 — Active, viable tumor that became cystic | Viable lymphoma is typically FDG‑avid; cystic change alone ≠ activity. | |
| Q6. On a staging CT for extensive mesenteric T-cell lymphoma, large confluent nodal masses encase the mesenteric vessels. What associated finding is best explained by the tumor’s impingement on low-pressure lymphatic channels? | 2 — Chylous (lymphatic) ascites | Lymphatic compression impairs chyle drainage from the gut → chylous ascites; arteries usually remain patent despite encasement. Bhardwaj, J Clin Transl Hepatol 2017 |
| 1 — Arterial thrombosis and bowel infarction | Uncommon; high‑pressure arteries resist occlusion by lymphoma. | |
| 3 — Mesenteric venous thrombosis | Possible with venous compression, but question asks about lymphatic obstruction. | |
| 4 — Pneumatosis intestinalis | Reflects bowel ischemia; not a direct result of lymphatic obstruction. | |
| Q7. The mesenteric “sandwich sign” is highly suggestive of lymphoma but not specific. Which condition can also mimic this appearance? | 3 — Metastatic carcinoma or infections such as tuberculosis | Bulky mesenteric adenopathy encasing vessels/fat can result from metastatic gastric, pancreatic, or colorectal carcinoma, and infections like TB. Yang, Clin Radiol 1999 |
| 1 — Sclerosing mesenteritis | Often shows “misty mesentery” ± pseudocapsule, not confluent nodal sandwiching. | |
| 2 — Carcinoid tumor | Typically a desmoplastic spiculated mass with calcification, not homogeneous nodal encasement. | |
| 4 — Retroperitoneal fibrosis | Predominantly retroperitoneal (aorta/IVC/ureters), not small‑bowel mesentery. |
see below
7. Memory Page
The Devil’s “Sandwich Sign”


This animated memory image (GIF) portrays a devil with a menacing expression, representing a malignant lymphoma. He holds a large sandwich, which is a metaphor for the radiological “sandwich sign.” The animation shows him taking a bite; however, due to the “soft” nature of the tumor he personifies, he can only take a small bite that effaces the contents but does not destroy them. The bread symbolizes the confluent tumor mass, and the filling represents the encased mesenteric vessels and fat.
This mnemonic illustrates the “sandwich sign,” a finding highly suggestive of mesenteric lymphoma. The key feature, demonstrated by the devil’s compressive but non-destructive bite, is that despite the large tumor volume, the mesenteric vessels are typically encased rather than invaded or significantly obstructed. This characteristic helps differentiate lymphoma from other mesenteric masses like carcinomatosis, which is often more scirrhous and can cause vascular occlusion (PMID: 17412739, 21776511).
The “sandwich sign” metaphorically describes a bulky, soft mesenteric tumor (bread) encasing the mesenteric vessels (filling), a classic sign of lymphoma.
Ashley Davidoff Art AI-assisted — Memory Image – TheCommonVein.com (b79818-MADb03)
The Devil’s Sandwich
A devil dwells where vessels wind,
Deep in the gut, a hungry find.
With grimy hands and nails so long,
He crafts a deep and growing wrong.
He holds a meal for all to see,
A layered sign of misery.
Two fleshy slabs of tumorous bread,
A growing mass of silent dread.
And in between, a fragile thread,
e silver veins, the arteries red.
The vital filling, neatly placed,
By hungry evil, interlaced.
But note the grip, it is not tight,
It holds the vessels, day and night.
The bread is soft, it yields and bends,
The blood’s own journey never ends.
It’s held, encased, but flows on through,
A telling sign, a vital clue.
So when you see this wicked lunch,
Trust the message, trust your hunch,
It’s lymphoma’s soft and fleshy hand,
That holds the lifeblood of the land.
