Lymphoma encasing the heart: large mediastinal mass with myocardial infiltration and coronary artery involvement
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2025

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
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.
Abstract:
Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma with myocardial infiltration and coronary encasement is a rare cause of chest pain and dyspnea in young patients. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and photon-counting coronary CT play a pivotal role in detecting myocardial and coronary artery involvement. Early recognition is crucial as these findings directly affect treatment and prognosis.
Related Concept Videos
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

