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Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma presenting with primary cardiac involvement
Lisa M Lepeak1, David T Yang, Julie E Chang
1Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI;
Hematology Reports
|December 21, 2011
Summary
Primary cardiac lymphoma, a rare condition, was diagnosed in a patient with non-small cell lung cancer. This aggressive NK/T-cell lymphoma case highlights the need for prompt diagnosis and specialized care for rare extranodal lymphomas.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Primary cardiac lymphoma is an exceedingly rare diagnosis.
- This case involves a 54-year-old male with a history of non-small cell lung cancer.
Observation:
- The patient presented with chest pain and dyspnea, and imaging revealed a significant right atrial mass and a pericardiophrenic mass.
- Echocardiography showed a moderate pericardial effusion without signs of tamponade.
Findings:
- Percutaneous biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Natural Killer/T-cell (NK/T-cell) lymphoma.
- The patient showed initial symptomatic improvement with CHOP chemotherapy but experienced disease progression.
Implications:
- NK/T-cell lymphomas are aggressive and can manifest as unusual extranodal disease.
- Early diagnosis and referral to specialized centers are crucial for managing rare lymphomas and improving patient outcomes.
