A case of primary cardiac lymphoma mimicking acute coronary and aortic syndrome

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Sung Woo Cho1, Byung Kyu Kim, Jin Tae Hwang

  • 1Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea. ; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Korean Circulation Journal
|December 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL), a rare but increasing condition, can mimic acute coronary syndromes. This case highlights PCL

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Oncology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is an exceptionally rare malignancy.
  • The incidence of PCL is rising, presenting with diverse clinical symptoms.
  • PCL can often be misdiagnosed due to its varied presentations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of primary cardiac lymphoma.
  • To illustrate the diagnostic challenges and mimicry of PCL with acute coronary and aortic syndromes.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering PCL in specific clinical scenarios.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 51-year-old female.
  • Clinical presentation: chest pain radiating to the back.
  • Diagnostic workup included electrocardiogram, cardiac troponin-T, chest radiography, and computed tomography scan.
  • Histopathological examination of the pericardial mass.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with symptoms mimicking acute coronary and aortic syndromes.
  • Diagnostic imaging revealed a large pericardial mass.
  • Histopathology confirmed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
  • The patient succumbed to refractory ventricular tachycardia, likely due to myocardial infiltration.

Conclusions:

  • Primary cardiac lymphoma can present insidiously, mimicking common cardiovascular emergencies.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management of PCL.
  • Extensive myocardial infiltration by PCL can lead to fatal arrhythmias.

Keywords:
Acute coronary syndromeCardiac tumorChest pain

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