Cardiac lymphoma associated with superior vena caval syndrome and cardiac tamponade: case history
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1Department of Cardiology, Hines Veterans Administration Hospital, Illinois.
Insights
Malignant histiocytic lymphoma of the heart can cause serious heart conditions. This case shows successful treatment of superior vena cava syndrome and cardiac tamponade with radiation and chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Malignant histiocytic lymphoma is a rare cardiac tumor.
- Cardiac tumors can present with life-threatening complications such as superior vena cava syndrome and cardiac tamponade.
Abstract:
A sixty-three-year-old patient with malignant histiocytic lymphoma of the heart presented with both superior vena cava syndrome and cardiac tamponade. A two-dimensional echocardiogram showed a large tumor mass in the right atrium and pericardial effusion with right ventricular compression. Superior and inferior vena cavagrams disclosed a lobulated tumor located in the right atrium that extended into and obstructed the superior vena cava. After the pericardial effusion was drained and the diagnosis was established, the patient was irradiated and given chemotherapy with resolution of the tamponade and superior vena cava obstruction.