Echocardiographic assessment of a cardiac lymphoma: beyond two-dimensional imaging

Abstract

Lymphoma is usually recognized as the third most frequent metastatic malignancy involving the heart. In recent years, the incidence of cardiac lymphoma has increased, mainly because of HIV-infected patients. We present a case of secondary cardiac lymphoma in an HIV patient presenting with heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography showed increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and an extensive mass in the right cavities with involvement of the tricuspid annulus (Figure 1). Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) showed reduced systolic and diastolic velocities at mitral and tricuspid annulus, compatible with systolic and diastolic myocardial dysfunction, likely owing to infiltration. After 2 weeks of chemotherapy, repeated exam showed significant reduction of the tumour mass and of the LV wall thickness, as well as normalized systolic and diastolic velocities at mitral and tricuspid annulus, as assessed by DTI. Use of transthoracic echocardiography, mostly two-dimensional imaging, has been described for several years for the diagnosis of cardiac involvement as well as for the assessment of tumour regression in response to chemotherapy. The present case report highlights the potential utility of other echocardiographic modalities, particularly DTI, for the assessment of cardiac lymphoma but also for monitoring the tumour response to adequate therapy.

AIDS-Associated Cardiac Lymphoma—A Review

“…20 In the general population, lymphoma is usually recognized as the third most frequent metastatic malignancy involving the heart when considering absolute numbers (following lung and breast carcinomas) and the second most frequent when considering the relative incidence of metastasis (following melanoma). 21 However, the incidence of cardiac lymphomas has considerably increased, albeit mainly in HIV-infected individuals. 21 Herein is presented a case of cardiac lymphoma in an untreated patient living with AIDS, which led to his rapid demise.…”

“…21 However, the incidence of cardiac lymphomas has considerably increased, albeit mainly in HIV-infected individuals. 21 Herein is presented a case of cardiac lymphoma in an untreated patient living with AIDS, which led to his rapid demise. Apropos this case, we review the literature on AIDS-associated cardiac lymphomas.…”

Obstructive Primary Cardiac T-Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report from Senegal

“…Ultrasonographic examinations are needed in follow-up of a patient’s treatment. They allow on-time detection of complications associated with the treatment and its adequate management [11]. …”

Linfoma Não Hodgkin com Acometimento Cardíaco: Uma Causa Rara de Insuficiência Cardíaca Aguda – Relato de Caso

“…3 É encontrado mais comumente nas câmaras direitas, no septo interatrial, estendendo-se para o pericárdio, com ocorrência menor no átrio e no ventrículo esquerdo. [4][5][6] O espectro de manifestações cardíacas é amplo e abange desde a ausência de sintomas até Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC), derrame pericárdico ou arritmias. 4,5 Raramente o envolvimento cardíaco é a manifestação inicial do linfoma.…”