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Constrictive pericarditis in B cell chronic lymphatic leukaemia
H W Habboush1, J Dhundee, D A Okati
1Department of Haematology, Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth, UK.
Insights
This case study highlights a rare complication of B-cell chronic lymphatic leukaemia (B-CLL) involving constrictive pericarditis. The pericardial infiltration was leukaemic and surgically correctable, offering a new treatment avenue.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Cardiology
- Oncology
Background:
- B-cell chronic lymphatic leukaemia (B-CLL) is a common lymphoid malignancy.
- Constrictive pericarditis is a condition where the pericardium becomes stiff, impairing heart function.
Observation:
- A patient with B-cell chronic lymphatic leukaemia (B-CLL) presented with symptoms suggestive of constrictive pericarditis.
- Histological examination of the pericardium confirmed leukaemic cell infiltration.
Findings:
- The pericardial involvement in this B-CLL case was directly caused by leukaemic cells.
- This leukaemic pericardial infiltration led to constrictive physiology.
Implications:
- Leukaemic constrictive pericarditis is a rare but potentially treatable complication of B-cell chronic lymphatic leukaemia.
- Surgical intervention may be a viable option for managing this condition, as demonstrated in this case.
- Increased awareness of this complication is crucial for timely diagnosis and management in B-CLL patients.
Abstract:
We report a case of B-cell chronic lymphatic leukaemia (B-CLL) complicated by constrictive pericarditis. The pericardial involvement was confirmed histologically to be leukaemic in nature. We draw attention to this complication which is amenable to surgical correction. To our knowledge this has been described only once before as an autopsy finding and has not been encountered ante-mortem.