Lymphoma encasing the heart: large mediastinal mass with myocardial infiltration and coronary artery involvement

Taraneh Aziz-Safaie1,2, Alexander M C Böhner1, Julian A Luetkens1,2

  • 1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.

Insights

Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma can infiltrate the heart and encase coronary arteries, causing chest pain in young patients. Advanced imaging like cardiac MRI and photon-counting CT is vital for early detection, impacting treatment and prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Oncology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is a rare malignancy.
  • Cardiac involvement, including myocardial infiltration and coronary artery encasement, presents a diagnostic challenge.
  • Symptoms like chest pain and dyspnea in young adults may indicate advanced disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the significance of cardiac involvement in PMBCL.
  • To emphasize the role of advanced imaging in diagnosing myocardial and coronary artery infiltration.
  • To underscore the importance of early recognition for treatment and prognosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical cases with PMBCL and cardiac involvement.
  • Analysis of diagnostic capabilities of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).
  • Evaluation of photon-counting coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography for detecting coronary artery encasement.

Main Results:

  • PMBCL can lead to direct myocardial infiltration.
  • Coronary artery encasement by lymphoma is a critical finding.
  • CMR and photon-counting CT are effective in visualizing these cardiac abnormalities.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiac involvement in PMBCL is a critical prognostic factor.
  • Advanced imaging techniques are essential for accurate diagnosis.
  • Timely identification of cardiac infiltration influences therapeutic strategies and patient outcomes.

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