Primary cardiac lymphoma and complete atrio-ventricular block: case report and review of the literature

Acta Cardiol. 2007 Feb;62(1):55-8. doi: 10.2143/AC.62.1.2019372.

Abstract

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is a rare and extremely aggressive malignancy, which can express itself by damaging the cardiac conduction system (complete atrio-ventricular block), the myocardium and the pericardium. Histology confirms the diagnosis. Chances of survival depend on early diagnosis and treatment. We present the case of a female patient admitted for severe deterioration of her general state of health who had a complete atrio-ventricular block caused by a tumour of the atrial septum, a B-cell lymphoma stage I. The diagnosis was suggested by combined PET/CT imaging and confirmed by histology of a cardiac biopsy. Her general clinical condition, including the cardiac parameters, significantly improved following chemotherapy induction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atrioventricular Node / pathology*
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Female
  • Heart Block / diagnosis*
  • Heart Block / etiology
  • Heart Block / pathology
  • Heart Neoplasms / complications
  • Heart Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / complications
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / diagnosis*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography