A case of malignant lymphoma simulating acute myocardial infarction

A patient with malignant lymphoma suddenly collapsed, and ST segment elevation with complete atrioventricular block was observed on his electrocardiogram during an episode resembling acute myocardial infarction. Cardiac cineangiography revealed posterobasal asynergy of the left ventricle with no significant obstruction in the coronary arterial tree. Autopsy revealed diffuse invasion of the myocardium by lymphoma cells. Left ventricular wall motion was preserved even in the area of massive invasion; there was no true necrosis. Myocardial biopsy may be indicated in patients in whom there is a discrepancy between coronary pathoanatomy and wall motion abnormalities.