Ventricular tachycardia in a patient with lymphocytic (non Hodgkin's) lymphoma

S S Danbauch1, J U Okpapi, M M Maisaka

  • 1Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria.

The Central African Journal of Medicine
|May 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

A 19-year-old student diagnosed with lymphocytic (non-Hodgkin's) lymphoma presented with severe symptoms. Despite intensive care, the patient experienced respiratory distress and cardiac events, ultimately succumbing to the illness.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Hematology
  • Intensive Care Medicine

Background:

  • A 19-year-old student presented with generalized lymphadenopathy, paraplegia, incontinence, and weight loss.
  • Histological examination of lymph node biopsy confirmed lymphocytic (non-Hodgkin's) lymphoma.

Observation:

  • The patient developed progressive dyspnea prior to the initiation of lymphoma treatment.
  • Admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) revealed episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Findings:

  • Recurrent episodes of VT did not respond to standard resuscitative measures, including intravenous lignocaine, oxygen, and assisted respiration.
  • The patient's condition deteriorated, leading to death.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the rapid and aggressive progression of lymphocytic (non-Hodgkin's) lymphoma in young adults.
  • It underscores the critical need for prompt diagnosis and aggressive management of complications such as respiratory distress and cardiac arrhythmias in lymphoma patients.

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