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[Primary Burkitt lymphoma of the heart--diagnosis and therapy]
A Hoffmeier1, M Semik, Ch Schmid
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Thorax-, Herz- und Gefässchirurgie Universitätsklinik Münster Albert-Schweitzer-Str. 33, 48149 Münster, Germany. andreas.hoffmeier@thgms.uni-muenster.de
Insights
An 85-year-old patient with a heart tumor, diagnosed as Burkitt lymphoma, achieved complete remission with chemotherapy (CHOP). This treatment improved cardiac function from NYHA III to NYHA I, demonstrating chemotherapy
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Hematology
Background:
- Progressive cardiac deterioration (NYHA III) in an elderly patient.
- Cardiac disease suspected as the cause of symptoms.
Observation:
- Echocardiography and CT scan revealed a cardiac tumor.
- Transvenous biopsy confirmed Burkitt lymphoma.
- Tumor staging was negative.
Findings:
- Surgical therapy was declined due to patient age.
- Patient received 6 courses of chemotherapy (Cyclophosphamide, Hydroxydaunorubicin, Oncovin, Prednisone - CHOP).
- Chemotherapy was well-tolerated, leading to complete tumor remission on CT scan.
Implications:
- Chemotherapy (CHOP) is a viable treatment for cardiac Burkitt lymphoma in elderly patients.
- Successful treatment resulted in significant improvement in cardiac function (NYHA I).
- Highlights the importance of multidisciplinary approach in managing rare cardiac malignancies.
Abstract:
An 85-year-old patient suffered from progressive deterioration (NYHA III) for several months. Cardiac disease was suspected. Echocardiography as well as a CT scan of the heart revealed a heart tumor to be the cause. Tumor staging was negative. After transvenous biopsy, the diagnosis of a Burkitt lymphoma could be established. Due to the advanced age of the patient, the intended surgical therapy was turned down and the patient was treated with 6 courses of a potentially therapeutic chemotherapy (CHOP scheme), which was well tolerated by the patient. The following CT scan showed a complete remission of the tumor. Six months after chemotherapy the patient is in NYHA stage I.