Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and Helicobacter pylori: Scratch and win

Abstract Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is generally associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and, in the great majority of patients, regresses after eradication. H. pylori-negative MALT lymphoma occurs in a small minority of cases in which treatment is based on surgery or chemoradiotherapy. In the search for H. pylori based on histology and the C13 urea breath test, this report describes a case with a series of false-negative results, thus confirming the possibility of a lower detectability of H. pylori in patients with MALT gastric lymphoma and supporting the use of additional tests in evaluating such pathology, including polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, treatment with CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab) is suggested as an alternative to surgery or treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy in patients with truly H. pylori-negative gastric MALT lymphoma.