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Updated: May 17, 2026

Multiplexed Fluorescent Immunohistochemical Staining, Imaging, and Analysis in Histological Samples of Lymphoma
Published on: January 9, 2019
Ischemic heart disease due to compression of the coronary arteries by malignant lymphoma
Yuki Nagasako1, Shun Akaeda, Fumitaka Yanase
1Division of Hematology, St. Luke's International Hospital, Japan.
Insights
A 76-year-old man with angina pectoris was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Treatment with chemotherapy relieved coronary artery stenosis and improved heart function, demonstrating lymphoma
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- A 76-year-old male presented with a two-month history of angina pectoris.
- Initial investigations revealed enlarged lymph nodes compressing major cardiovascular structures.
Observation:
- Computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography (CTA) demonstrated lymph node enlargement compressing the heart, pulmonary artery, and aorta.
- CTA revealed coronary artery stenosis secondary to extrinsic compression.
- Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated myocardial ischemia due to a perfusion defect.
Findings:
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was diagnosed as the underlying cause.
- Multidrug chemotherapy resulted in prompt symptomatic improvement.
- Follow-up imaging confirmed relief of coronary artery stenosis and improved myocardial perfusion.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering extrinsic compression from lymphoma in the differential diagnosis of coronary artery stenosis and myocardial ischemia.
- Effective chemotherapy can reverse cardiovascular compromise caused by lymph node enlargement.
- Integrated imaging modalities (CT, CTA, MRI) are crucial for diagnosis and monitoring treatment response.
Abstract:
A 76-year-old man presented with a two-month history of angina pectoris. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a serial enlargement of the supraclavicular and mediastinal lymph nodes compressing the heart, pulmonary artery and aorta. CT angiography (CTA) showed stenosis of the coronary arteries as a result of compression by the enlarged lymph nodes. First-pass contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at rest revealed a perfusion defect, thus indicating myocardial ischemia. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was diagnosed and multidrug combination chemotherapy led to prompt improvement of the symptoms. Relief of the stenosis in the coronary arteries and improvements in myocardial perfusion were noted on follow-up CTA and MRI.
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