A case of primary cardiac lymphoma mimicking acute coronary and aortic syndrome

Korean Circ J. 2012 Nov;42(11):776-80. doi: 10.4070/kcj.2012.42.11.776. Epub 2012 Nov 28.

Abstract

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is a rare disorder, but the incidence is increasing and its clinical manifestations are various. We report a case of PCL, which mimics an acute coronary and aortic syndrome. A 51 year-old female was presented with chest pain radiating to the back. Her initial electrocardiogram revealed T wave inversion in the leads of V 5-6, II, III and aVF. Additionally, cardiac troponin-T was slightly elevated. Chest radiography showed marked mediastinal widening. Computed tomography scan showed a huge pericardial mass. The histopathologic findings of the mass were compatible with diffuse large B cell lymphoma. She died of refractory ventricular tachycardia, probably, due to an extensive infiltration of PCL to the myocardium.

Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome; Cardiac tumor; Chest pain.