Primary cardiac lymphoma in HIV infected patients: A clinicopathological report of two cases

Moshawa Calvin Khaba; Makenga Fidele Kampetu; Mamokgethi Christina Rangaka; Mohamed Karodia; Shere Peter Ramoroko; Elelwani Innocentia Madzhia

doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102757

Primary cardiac lymphoma in HIV infected patients: A clinicopathological report of two cases

Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2021 Aug 23:69:102757. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102757. eCollection 2021 Sep.

Authors

Moshawa Calvin Khaba¹, Makenga Fidele Kampetu², Mamokgethi Christina Rangaka³, Mohamed Karodia⁴, Shere Peter Ramoroko², Elelwani Innocentia Madzhia⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Anatomical Pathology, Dr George Mukhari Academic Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Service, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa.
² Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa.
³ Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa.
⁴ Department of Clinical Hematology, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa.
⁵ Department of Paediatric Oncology, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa.

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Due to advances in diagnostic methods and human immunodeficiency virus, there has been a recent increase in cardiac involvement by lymphoma.

Case presentation case 1: 15-year-old HIV infected male patient presented with features of heart failure and cardiac tamponade. The transthoracic echocardiogram showed pericardial effusion and a right atrioventricular mass. The resected tumour was confirmed to be diffuse large b-cell lymphoma on histopathology. Unfortunately, the patient died few hours after surgery. Case 2: 30-year-old HIV infected pregnant female presented with features of cardiac tamponade. The transthoracic echocardiogram showed pericardial effusion with right atrial mass. The resected tumour was confirmed to be Burkitt's lymphoma on histopathology. She was successfully treated with chemotherapy.

Clinical discussion: Cardiac lymphomas are rare with most cases diagnosed on autopsy. However, advances in diagnostic methods has increased antemortem diagnosis with subsequent optimal management. Majority of the cases are of B-cell lineage, although T-cell origin has been reported.

Conclusion: A high index of suspicion of cardiac lymphoma should be maintained in the right clinical setting in order to receive adequate attention and management.

Keywords: Burkitt lymphoma; Diffuse large b-cell lymphoma; HIV/AIDS; Primary cardiac lymphoma.

Publication types

Case Reports