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Diffuse infiltrative primary cardiac lymphoma with delayed extracardiac involvement
Yong Jeoung1, Se Ryeon Lee1, Ho Kim1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL), a rare heart cancer, poses diagnostic challenges. This case highlights a delayed diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) involving the heart, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is exceptionally rare, often fatal, and difficult to diagnose due to its location and infiltrative nature.
- The prognosis for PCL is generally poor, compounded by challenges in early and accurate diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old male presented with pericardial effusion and diffuse cardiac wall thickening, initially suspected as infiltrative heart disease.
- Initial biopsies were inconclusive, delaying definitive diagnosis for 20 months.
Findings:
- The patient was ultimately diagnosed with primary cardiac diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) via a cervical lymph node biopsy.
- Chemotherapy led to significant improvement in DLBCL lesions, including cardiac wall thickening.
Implications:
- This case underscores the diagnostic complexities of infiltrative primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL).
- The findings suggest PCL can present with delayed extracardiac involvement, necessitating comprehensive evaluation.
- Successful treatment with chemotherapy indicates its potential efficacy in managing cardiac lymphoma.
Abstract:
Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is an extremely rare and fatal neoplasm of the heart. Traditionally, it is defined as lymphoma involving the heart or pericardium. PCL has a poor prognosis because of the diagnostic difficulty and its location. We present the case of a 48-year-old man who presented with pericardial effusion and diffuse cardiac wall thickening. We first suspected infiltrative heart disease. However, even after performing a biopsy, we could not establish an accurate diagnosis. After 20 months, primary cardiac diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was diagnosed by cervical lymph node biopsy. In this case, after chemotherapy, the DLBCL lesions, including cardiac wall thickening, improved. The treatment outcome suggests that the diagnosis was diffuse infiltrative PCL with delayed extracardiac involvement.
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