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Multimodality imaging evaluation of a primary cardiac lymphoma
Paolo Ciancarella1, Armando Fusco1, Daniele Citraro1
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Molecular Imaging and Radiotherapy, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, aItaly.
Journal of the Saudi Heart Association
|April 5, 2017
Summary
Primary cardiac lymphoma, a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma, demands prompt diagnosis for better prognosis. Multimodality imaging aids detection, with pathology confirming large B-cell lymphoma in a heart tumor case.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is a rare, aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma involving the heart and adjacent structures.
- PCL presents with heterogeneous clinical manifestations and carries a poor prognosis without timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Differential diagnosis is crucial, including angiosarcoma, metastatic carcinoma, and melanoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and imaging modalities for primary cardiac lymphoma.
- To present a case report of a 76-year-old female with primary cardiac lymphoma.
- To emphasize the importance of multimodality imaging and histopathological confirmation.
Main Methods:
- A 76-year-old female presented with congestive heart failure symptoms.
- Diagnostic work-up included multimodality imaging: echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear imaging.
- Definitive diagnosis was established via cytological and histological evaluation.
Main Results:
- Multimodality imaging revealed a bulky mediastinal tumor encasing the heart and pericardium.
- Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of large B-cell primary cardiac lymphoma.
- The case underscores the utility of integrated imaging approaches in PCL detection.
Conclusions:
- Primary cardiac lymphoma requires a high index of suspicion due to its rarity and potential for misdiagnosis.
- Multimodality imaging is essential for evaluating tumor extent and guiding diagnosis.
- Prompt diagnosis and therapy are critical for improving patient outcomes in primary cardiac lymphoma.