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Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting with cardiac tamponade
D A Gerardi1, R M Hellman, M Conlon
1University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Hartford.
Connecticut Medicine
|January 1, 1992
Insights
Large-cell lymphoma can cause pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. Cytologic examination of pericardial fluid is crucial for diagnosing new-onset effusions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade are serious conditions.
- Large-cell lymphoma is an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Observation:
- A 76-year-old woman presented with acute cardiac tamponade secondary to pericardial effusion.
- The patient was previously healthy.
- Large-cell lymphoma was diagnosed via cytologic examination of the pericardial fluid obtained during pericardiocentesis.
Findings:
- Percutaneous pericardiocentesis provided both diagnostic and therapeutic relief.
- Cytologic examination of pericardial fluid is vital for identifying underlying causes of new-onset effusions.
- This case highlights an unusual presentation of large-cell lymphoma.
Implications:
- Early cytologic diagnosis can significantly impact patient outcomes in cases of unexplained pericardial effusion.
- Clinicians should consider lymphoma in the differential diagnosis of pericardial effusion, especially in older adults.
- This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach to pericardial effusions.
Abstract:
Large-cell lymphoma presented with pericardial effusion and acute tamponade in a previously healthy 76-year-old woman. Initial therapy with percutaneous pericardiocentesis was diagnostic. Our review of the literature underscores the unique nature of this presentation and emphasizes the value of cytologic examination in new-onset pericardial effusion.