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Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma developing in a pacemaker pocket
Nobumasa Hojo1, Yoshihiro Yakushijin, Hiroshi Narumi
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Ehime University School of Medicine, Onsen-Gun, Ehime, Japan. hojo@m.ehime-u.ac.jp
International Journal of Hematology
|May 31, 2003
Summary
A rare case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma developed in a pacemaker pocket. Chronic inflammation from the implanted device may be linked to this non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Pacemaker implantation is a common procedure for cardiac rhythm management.
- Foreign material and chronic inflammation are potential risk factors for secondary malignancies.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old man presented with a chest tumor and lymphadenopathy 6 years after pacemaker insertion.
- The tumor was located in the subpectoral pacemaker pocket, associated with a surgical scar.
Findings:
- Biopsy confirmed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with monoclonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangement.
- Imaging revealed abnormal gallium uptake in the chest and axilla, consistent with stage II lymphoma.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential association between chronic inflammation in pacemaker pockets and the development of lymphoma.
- Further research is warranted to explore the link between medical implants and secondary cancers.