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Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
[Fever, atrial fibrillation, and angina pectoris in a 58-year-old man]
M Groebner1, T Südhoff, M Doering
1Klinik für Kardiologie und Pulmonologie, Klinikum Passau, Innstr. 76, 94032, Passau, Deutschland, michael.groebner@klinikum-passau.de.
Insights
Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is rare, but this case shows successful treatment in an immunocompetent man. Multimodal imaging and R-CHOP 14 chemotherapy achieved complete remission, avoiding surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is an exceptionally rare cardiac tumor.
- This case highlights PCL in an immunocompetent 58-year-old male presenting with atrial fibrillation and fever.
Observation:
- Comprehensive imaging (CT, cMRI, 3D-TEE) revealed a large right atrial tumor with pericardial effusion.
- Positron emission tomography-CT confirmed isolated cardiac involvement.
- TEE-guided biopsy diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
Findings:
- R-CHOP 14 immunochemotherapy led to complete remission, confirmed by a normalized PET scan.
- The PETAL study indicated successful treatment response.
Implications:
- An interdisciplinary and multimodal approach is crucial for diagnosing and managing PCL.
- This strategy can effectively treat PCL and prevent the need for cardiac surgery.
Abstract:
Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) respresents a very rare type of cardiac tumour. This report illustrates a case of PCL in an immunocompetent 58-year-old man presenting with atrial fibrillation and febrile syndrome. Comprehensive imaging [computer tomography (CT), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI), 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE)] identified a large right atrial tumour, leading to pericardial effusion. Isolated cardiac involvement was confirmed by positron emission tomography (PET)-CT. A diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was diagnosed based on the results of a TEE-guided biopsy. A normalized PET scan (PETAL study) indicated complete remission following R-CHOP 14 immunochemotherapy. Thus, an interdisciplinary and multimodal approach avoided unnecessary cardiac surgery.
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