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Malignant thymoma as etiology of bilateral, biventricular cardiac failure

P Priester1, J Kopecky, L Slovacek

  • 1Department of Clinical Oncology and Radiotherapy, Charles University Hospital and Faculty ofMedicine, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic. peterpriester@seznam.cz

Bratislavske Lekarske Listy
|September 30, 2011
PubMed

Insights

A rare invasive cortical thymoma presented as cardiac failure due to malignant lymphoma-like pericardial effusion. Diagnosis involved imaging and biopsy, revealing stage III thymoma with extensive infiltration.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cardiology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Malignant thymoma is a rare primary mediastinal tumor.
  • Thymoma can present with paraneoplastic syndromes or direct compression symptoms.

Observation:

  • A 60-year-old female presented with bilateral cardiac failure.
  • Echocardiography revealed massive pericardial effusion, initially suspected as malignant lymphoma.
  • CT scans showed a mediastinal tumor with extensive infiltration.

Findings:

  • Cytological and immunophenotypization of pericardial fluid suggested malignant lymphoma.
  • Histopathological analysis of a CT-guided biopsy confirmed invasive cortical thymoma.
  • The thymoma was staged as Masaoka stage III.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare presentation of thymoma mimicking lymphoma.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management of invasive thymoma.
  • Multidisciplinary approach is essential for staging and treatment planning.

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