Surviving the Odds: Primary Cardiac Lymphoma With Locoregional Lymph Node Involvement Complicated by Pericardial
Kinan Bachour1, Sagar Shah2, Allison Reichl3
1Department of Cardiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA.
Abstract:
Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is a rare malignant disease and its presentation varies depending on the degree of infiltration and location in the myocardium; hence its diagnosis can be challenging. We present a case of a 67-year-old otherwise healthy male who initially presented with recurrent syncope found to have a pericardial effusion and complete heart block. Paratracheal biopsy of a fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid lymph node was consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Diagnosis is usually identified histologically, but imaging is key in guiding biopsy and monitoring disease regression. Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment. In this case report, we present a unique presentation of primary cardiac lymphoma presenting as complete heart block with extra-cardiac lymph node involvement and review its management.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism,...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow...
Location and Orientation of the Heart


