A rare cause of constrictive pericarditis: primary cardiac lymphoma

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Diastolic heart failure can present with symptoms mimicking other cardiac conditions.
• Constrictive pericarditis is a potential diagnosis for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
• Primary cardiac lymphoma is an exceptionally rare malignancy in immunocompetent individuals.

Observation:

• A patient presented with symptoms indicative of heart failure, specifically diastolic dysfunction.
• Diagnostic investigations suggested constrictive pericarditis.
• Cardiac catheterization confirmed constrictive pericarditis.

Findings:

• The underlying cause of the constrictive pericarditis was identified as primary cardiac lymphoma.
• This diagnosis is highly unusual in patients without compromised immune systems.
• The case underscores the diagnostic challenge posed by rare cardiac tumors.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider primary cardiac lymphoma in the differential diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis, even in immunocompetent patients.
• Early and accurate diagnosis of primary cardiac lymphoma is crucial for appropriate management and improved patient outcomes.
• This case contributes to the limited literature on primary cardiac lymphoma, aiding future research and clinical practice.