[Intra-cardiac lymphoma with right heart failure: a therapeutic emergency in two patients]

F Roubille1, F Massin, G Cayla

  • 1Département de Cardiologie, CHU Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier. francois.roubille@orange.fr

Archives Des Maladies Du Coeur Et Des Vaisseaux
|January 29, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Two patients presented with right heart failure due to intra-cardiac lymphoma. Advanced imaging like MRI and PET scans are crucial for diagnosis, treatment decisions, and monitoring lymphoma response.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Oncology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Intra-cardiac lymphoma is a rare condition presenting with right heart failure.
  • Prompt diagnosis and characterization are essential for effective management.

Observation:

  • Two cases of intra-cardiac lymphoma presenting as right heart failure are detailed.
  • Initial echocardiography suggested cardiac tumors, later confirmed as lymphoma via histology.
  • Multimodality imaging, including CT and MRI, elucidated lesion extent and anatomical relationships.

Findings:

  • Histological confirmation and classification of lymphoma were critical for treatment planning.
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning demonstrated treatment response in one patient.
  • Transthoracic echocardiography is vital for acute management, while MRI and PET aid in characterization and follow-up.

Implications:

  • This case series highlights the diagnostic utility of advanced imaging in intra-cardiac lymphoma.
  • Integrated imaging approaches are essential for optimizing therapeutic strategies and patient outcomes.
  • Understanding the role of echocardiography, MRI, and PET is key for managing cardiac lymphomas.

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