Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 20, 2026

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Primary Cardiac Lymphoma Presenting With Chest Pain
Catherine P Benziger1, Nicole Groth2, Neha Paul1
1Heart and Vascular Center, Essentia Health, Duluth, Minnesota, USA.
Background:
Right ventricular (RV) masses are rare and remain asymptomatic until they enlarge and cause hemodynamic instability, arrhythmias, or pericardial effusion. Echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging provide important information about the location and characteristics of masses.
Case Summary:
An 81-year-old man presented with chest pain and dizziness, with elevated biomarkers, and he was found to have a large RV intracardiac mass and pulmonary emboli. Subsequent cardiac biopsy revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The patient completed 6 cycles of chemotherapy, with complete remission at 4 months.
Discussion:
DLBCL is a rare cause of primary cardiac tumor. Multimodality imaging and prompt pathologic assessment are critical in determining the etiology of the mass and appropriately guiding therapy.
Take-Home Messages:
RV masses require a broad differential diagnosis, including benign and malignant tumors. Multimodality imaging and cardiac biopsy are essential for making the diagnosis of DLBCL, which can respond quickly to medical treatment without surgical intervention.
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management