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Paroxysmal atrial flutter caused by cardiac lymphoma
Markus Linhart1, Lars Lickfett, Christoph Hammerstingl
1Department of Medicine-Cardiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. markus.linhart@ukb.uni-bonn.de
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|June 21, 2006
Summary
Cardiac lymphoma, a rare cancer, can cause atrial flutter by forming a large tumor mass in the heart. This mass creates electrical abnormalities leading to irregular heart rhythms and other complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial flutter is a common arrhythmia resulting from atrial structural and functional changes.
- Cardiac lymphoma is an uncommon malignancy with a typically poor prognosis, often affecting the right atrium.
Observation:
- A case of follicular B-cell lymphoma involving the heart is presented.
- The patient developed paroxysmal atrial flutter in conjunction with the cardiac tumor.
Findings:
- The tumor mass in the atrium provided a substrate for slow conduction, a prerequisite for atrial flutter.
- The lymphoma also induced sinus arrest and partial obstruction of the tricuspid valve.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but significant cause of atrial flutter in cardiac lymphoma.
- Understanding this association is crucial for diagnosing and managing patients with cardiac tumors and arrhythmias.
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