Primary cardiac lymphoma with infiltration of the atrioventricular node: remission with reversal of the atrioventricular block induced by chemotherapy

• Published in: Cardiology Vol. 88; no. 6; p. 613
• Main Authors: Nakayama, Y, Uchimoto, S, Tsumura, K, Morii, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 01.11.1997
• Subjects: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols - therapeutic use; Atrioventricular Node - diagnostic imaging; Atrioventricular Node - drug effects; Atrioventricular Node - physiopathology; Biopsy; Echocardiography; Electrocardiography; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Block - diagnostic imaging; Heart Block - drug therapy; Heart Block - physiopathology; Heart Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Heart Neoplasms - drug therapy; Heart Neoplasms - physiopathology; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Lymphoma, T-Cell - diagnostic imaging; Lymphoma, T-Cell - drug therapy; Lymphoma, T-Cell - physiopathology; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Radionuclide Ventriculography; Remission Induction; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 0008-6312
• DOI: 10.1159/000177436

We describe a rare case of primary cardiac lymphoma associated with complete atrioventricular block, with recovery following systemic chemotherapy. A 61 year-old woman was admitted because of a massive pericardial effusion and complete atrioventricular block. Echocardiography disclosed several polypoid masses in the right atrium. A diagnosis of primary cardiac lymphoma was made. After three cycles of chemotherapy, the patient achieved a complete remission, the ECG showed first-degree atrioventricular block, and echocardiography revealed disappearance of the right atrial masses. This is the first report of a patient recovering from primary cardiac lymphoma and complete atrioventricular block following systemic chemotherapy. We conclude that aggressive treatment of this malignancy can improve cardiac function and the patient's prognosis.