A case of malignant lymphoma with diastolic heart failure

H Toko1, F Terasaki, Y Kawakami

  • 1Third Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki, Japan.

Insights

Malignant lymphoma can present with heart failure symptoms due to myocardial invasion. This case highlights nonspecific cardiac signs as the initial manifestation of lymphoma, confirmed by autopsy.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Oncology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Malignant lymphoma often presents with nonspecific or noncardiac symptoms.
  • Cardiac involvement in lymphoma can be subtle and difficult to diagnose early.

Observation:

  • A patient with malignant lymphoma initially presented with symptoms mimicking heart failure.
  • The heart failure was primarily attributed to diastolic dysfunction.

Findings:

  • Postmortem examination revealed extensive myocardial infiltration by malignant lymphoma.
  • This massive invasion was the underlying cause of the patient's cardiac symptoms.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering lymphoma in unexplained heart failure, especially with diastolic dysfunction.
  • Underscores the potential for cardiac manifestations to be the primary presentation of malignant lymphoma.
  • Emphasizes the role of autopsy in confirming myocardial involvement in lymphoma.

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