Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2025
Isolating Malignant and Non-Malignant B Cells from lck:eGFP Zebrafish
Published on: February 22, 2019
Urgent Excision of Primary Intracardiac Burkitt Lymphoma in a Child
Amr Ashry1,2, Abdulla Tarmahomed3, Melonie Johns3
1Department of Paediatric Cardiac Surgery, 200462Alder Hey Children Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
Insights
A rare case of intracardiac Burkitt's Lymphoma presented in a child with severe symptoms. Surgical removal of the cardiac masses was successful, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Hematologic Malignancies
Background:
- Intracardiac tumors are rare in pediatric populations.
- Burkitt's Lymphoma typically affects lymphoid tissues but can present extranodally.
- Early detection of cardiac masses is crucial for patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old girl experienced progressive shortness of breath, fatigue, visual, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Echocardiography revealed three large intracardiac masses obstructing bilateral inflow via the mitral and tricuspid valves.
- The masses caused significant hemodynamic compromise.
Findings:
- Urgent surgical excision of the intracardiac masses was performed.
- Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of Burkitt's Lymphoma within the heart.
- This represents an extremely rare presentation of a pediatric hematologic malignancy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses in pediatric patients with complex symptoms.
- Prompt surgical intervention for intracardiac masses can be life-saving.
- Further research into the mechanisms and management of extranodal Burkitt's Lymphoma in the heart is warranted.
Abstract:
A 9-year-old girl presented with a recent history of shortness of breath, fatigue, visual disturbances, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Echocardiography demonstrated three large intracardiac masses in the right and left atria protruding into the mitral and tricuspid valve orifices causing bilateral inflow obstruction. She underwent urgent surgical excision of the masses. Histology revealed rare intracardiac Burkitt's Lymphoma.
