Cardiac non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: clinical characteristics and trends in survival

Extramedullary and extranodal manifestations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia - an update

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) is a common leukemia characterized by clonal expansion of mature CD5+/CD23 + B cells in the blood, bone marrow (BM) and lymphoid tissues. CLL can undergo extramedullary and extranodal infiltration, with one study noting an incidence of only 0.3 per 100,000 people, and in 17.6% of CLL patients in another report. The most common extranodal sites of leukemic involvement are the skin and central nervous system; however, other organs, including liver, lungs, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, bone, prostate and heart, are occasionally involved. The prognostic significance of extra-medullary CLL is still under debate, but the prognosis in such patients seems to be better in the era of novel targeted drugs. Following a diagnosis of extranodal CLL, survival appears to depend on the site of infiltration. This review presents an overview of CLL in patients with extramedullary and extranodal leukemic lesions, focusing on its epidemiology, pathogenesis, prognosis, clinical characteristics and treatment results.

Cardiac Manifestations of Lymphoma: A Review of Primary and Secondary Cardiac Lymphoma

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is a very unique and uncommon disease presentation, with reports in the literature limited to case reports. Most often it is B-cell in origin, predominantly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Symptomatic presentation of PCL depends on the location of anatomic involvement, but most often involves the right heart, with presentation consistent with heart failure, pericardial effusions, and atrioventricular nodal blockade. Endomyocardial biopsy is necessary for diagnosis, but cardiac magnetic resonance imaging has been the most useful for staging of the disease. The disease has a poor prognosis but treatment with chemotherapy has been the most successful approach. Particularly, the chemotherapy regimen of rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone has been reported to be successful for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, so it is often utilized first. In newer reports of patients with PCL, there may be a role of autologous stem cell transplant along with consolidative chemotherapy in younger patients diagnosed with PCL. Secondary cardiac lymphoma (SCL) is a more common occurrence that is often asymptomatic and recognized after the patient has passed from either the primary lymphoma or some other reason. Unlike PCL, SCL is more expansive and not often confined to the right heart. However, in patients with SCL who do have cardiac symptoms, the diagnostic approach and treatment are similar to that of PCL.

Echocardiographic Findings of Malignant Lymphoma with Cardiac Involvement: A Single-center Retrospective Observational Study

Objective Although malignant lymphoma (ML) can occur in every organ, diagnosing cardiac involvement without cardiac manifestations is difficult. We therefore investigated the incidence of cardiac involvement in ML in our hospital and clarified the transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) findings of cardiac involvement. Methods Patients with ML referred to our hospital between January 2013 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients During the study period, 453 patients were identified. The mean age was 64.9 years old, and 54% of the patients were men. Results Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was the most common lymphoma, followed by follicular lymphoma. Of the 453 patients, 394 (87.0%) underwent TTE at the initial diagnosis or during the clinical course. The performance rates of TTE in DLBCL, Hodgkin lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma were above 90%. Cardiac involvement was detected in 6 (five with DLBCL and one with B-cell lymphoma) (1.5%) of the 394 patients who underwent TTE. The involved lesions of the heart varied, and five patients had pericardial effusion. Five patients had a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. All patients were treated with chemotherapy, and some were treated with radiation and surgery. Conclusion Cardiac involvement was observed in six (1.5%) of the patients with ML who underwent TTE. B-cell lymphoma, especially DLBCL, is a common ML with cardiac involvement. Although five patients had pericardial effusion, the involved lesions of the heart were not uniform. TTE is a useful imaging modality to noninvasively and repeatedly evaluate the tumor characteristics, response to ML treatment, and cardiac function.

A Rare Case of Atrial Septal Mass Secondary to Lymphoma: Case Report and Review of Literature

The antemortem diagnosis of secondary cardiac involvement by lymphoma remains suboptimal. Prognosis is worse with delayed diagnosis as the tumor burden increases with the multicompartment participation. Chemotherapy may improve survival, but there is a risk of mortality due to treatment-related complications, such as myocardial rupture and fatal arrhythmias. Modified chemotherapy regimens may prevent such complications, but the data are limited. We report the case of a 72-year-old woman diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with cardiac involvement, where early diagnosis prevented cardiac complications from the disease and its treatment as well. The aim of this case report is to highlight the fact that cardiac involvement in lymphoma is frequent and can be easily missed, leading to complications. Treatment requires an individualized approach.

A Rare Case of Cardiac Tamponade Induced by Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

While cardiac tamponade is a commonly recognized complication in solid organ malignancies and acute leukemias, instances of cardiac involvement in the context of chronic hematologic malignancies, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), are rarely observed. A 66-year-old male, with a history of stage IV CLL/SLL, presented with three weeks of worsening edema, orthopnea, and dyspnea. Two days after admission, an echocardiogram revealed a large circumferential pericardial effusion. Given the concern about early signs of pericardial tamponade, the patient underwent emergent pericardiocentesis with the removal of 700 cc of sanguineous fluid. A pericardial biopsy and flow cytometry of the pericardial fluid confirmed the diagnosis of CLL/SLL with pericardial involvement. There were no signs of large cell lymphoma transformation at that point. This rare case demonstrates the importance of considering cardiac complications in CLL/SLL patients who present with worsening edema, orthopnea, and dyspnea.

Radiotherapy for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with cardiac infiltration: A case report

Background

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) with cardiac infiltration has a poor prognosis. The median OS of patients failing to respond to chemotherapy has been reported to be 1 month vs. 18 months in patients responding to chemotherapy.

Case presentation

Herein, we reported a case of a 57-year-old male confirmed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who received radiation therapy of 150-cGy daily, administered in 30 fractions to the volume of cardiac infiltration, resulting in complete relief. Chemotherapy had no curative effect. The patient was subsequently enrolled in a clinical trial and received oral administration of zanubrutinib 80mg twice daily, after which he achieved complete remission. The progression-free survival was from diagnosis (January 7, 2020) to the follow-up (September 20, 2022), amounting to 32 months.

Conclusion

Proper irradiation dose and timing of treatment can relieve NHL symptoms.

Relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia with a cardiac mass: A case report

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common hematological malignancy in the USA. Extra-medullary disease is very rare and is not well characterized. In practice, clinically significant cardiac or pericardial involvement by CLL is extremely rare with only a few case reports in literature. We report a 51-year-old male patient with a past medical history of CLL in remission, who presented with fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, night sweats and left supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. Laboratory investigations were notable for leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Due to high suspicion of an underlying malignant process, a full body computerized tomography (CT) scan was obtained and showed an 8.8 cm soft tissue mass-like lesion occupying the majority of the right atrium and extending into the right ventricle, with probable pericardial involvement. Enlarged left supraclavicular and mediastinal lymph nodes were also present and had a mild mass effect on the traversing left internal thoracic artery and left pulmonary artery. A transesophageal echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were done to better characterize the cardiac mass. They confirmed a large infiltrating mass (measuring 10 × 7.4 cm) in the right atrium and ventricle, extending into the inferior vena cava inferiorly and coronary sinus posteriorly. A left supraclavicular excisional lymph node biopsy was performed and histopathology was consistent with Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL)/CLL. This case represents one of the few known cases of cardiac extramedullary-CLL presenting with an isolated cardiac mass. Further studies are needed to characterize the course of the disease, prognosis and optimum management along with the role of surgery.

Invasive Giant B-Cell Lymphoma Mimicking Fulminant Pulmonary Embolism

Background  Cardiac non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is rare and has a poor prognosis. Here we report a rare case mimicking pulmonary embolism.

Case Description  A 38-year-old woman suffered from severe dyspnea after cesarean section. With the clinical picture of fulminant central pulmonary embolism, lysis therapy was initiated. Further deterioration necessitated extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and cardiosurgical intervention. Intraoperatively, a massive intravascular tumor obstructed the pulmonary bifurcation and was found to be B-cell lymphoma. Aggressive excision and pulmonary tree reconstruction improved the critical condition and initiated convalescence.

Conclusion  High suspicion in central pulmonary embolism and early cardiosurgical therapy after ineffective lysis are essential.

Case report: Complete atrio-ventricular block successfully reversed in newly diagnosed primary cardiac B-cell lymphoma

Primary cardiac tumors are extremely uncommon and primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is an even rarer subset. A definite diagnosis can be delayed, which increases the likelihood of a poor prognosis. We report a case involving a 64-year-old male who presented with dyspnea, palpitation, and third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) secondary to primary cardiac B-cell lymphoma that was diagnosed via endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and multimodality imaging. Chemotherapy was initiated using rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vindesine, and prednisone (R-COP) followed by implantation of an artificial capsule pacemaker. Third-degree AVB vanished, and the subsequent cycle of treatment was adjusted as R-CDOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin liposome, vindesine, and prednisone), with aspirin and rosavastatin to prevent ischemic events. So far, the patient had a good clinical course and normal electrocardiogram. This case underscores the importance of EMB in the diagnosis of heart neoplasms. It is worth noting that anthracycline is not contraindicated in PCL.

Relapsed/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma with cardiac involvement: A case report and literature review

Background

Hematological malignancies of the heart (CHMs) are extremely rare, and include leukemia, lymphoma infiltration, and multiple myeloma with extramedullary manifestations. Cardiac lymphoma can be divided into primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) and secondary cardiac lymphoma (SCL). Compared to PCL, SCL is relatively more common. Histologically, the most frequent SCL is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The prognosis of lymphoma in patients with cardiac involvement is extremely poor. CAR T-cell immunotherapy has been recently become a highly effective treatment for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. To date, there are no guidelines that provide a clear consensus on the management of patients with secondary heart or pericardial involvement. We report a case of relapsed/refractory DLBCL that secondarily affected the heart.

Case presentation

A male patient was diagnosed with double-expressor DLBCL based on biopsies of mediastinal and peripancreatic masses and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The patient received first-line chemotherapy and anti-CD19 CAR T cell immunotherapy, but developed heart metastases after 12 months. Considering his physical condition and economic situation of the patient, two cycles of multiline chemotherapies were administered, followed by CAR-NK cell immunotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) at another hospital. After achieving a six-month survival, the patient died of severe pneumonia.

Conclusion

The response of our patient emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment to improve the prognosis of SCL and serves as an important reference for SCL treatment strategies.

Cardiac lymphoma with early response to chemotherapy: A case report and review of the literature

Cardiac tumors are rare and benign masses account for the most part of the diagnosis. When malignant cancer is detected, primary or secondary cardiac lymphoma are quite frequent. Cardiac lymphoma may present as an intra or peri-cardiac mass or, rarely, it may diffusely infiltrate the myocardium. Although often asymptomatic, patients can have non-specific symptoms. Acute presentations with cardiogenic shock, unstable angina, or acute myocardial infarction are also described. Modern imaging techniques can help the clinicians not only in the diagnostic phase but also during administration of chemotherapy. A multidisciplinary counseling and serial multi-parametric assessment (echocardiography, cardiac troponin) seem to be the most effective approach to prevent possible fatal complications (i.e., cardiac rupture). Currently, only chemo- and radiotherapy are available options for treatment, but the prognosis remains poor. This is a case of secondary cardiac lymphoma presenting as a mediastinal mass with large infiltration of the heart and the great vessels with a good improvement after only one cycle of chemotherapy. It demonstrates the importance of an early diagnosis to modify the natural history of the disease.

Cardiac Involvement in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma

Cardiac involvement of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) is recognized extremely rarely. In addition, most CLL/SLL patients with heart infiltration are asymptomatic. In this review, we present the results of a literature search for English language articles concerning CLL/SLL or Richter transformation with symptomatic cardiac involvement. In total, 18 well-described cases with CLL/SLL and heart infiltration were identified. Only three patients were not diagnosed with CLL/SLL before the cardiac manifestation. In other patients, cardiac CLL/SLL was diagnosed between 5 months and 20 years from CLL/SLL diagnosis. All patients in these series had a diagnosis of secondary cardiac CLL/SLL. In addition, we identified four reported cases with Richter transformation in the heart. The treatment of patients with CLL/SLL and cardiac infiltration is variable and depends on the previous history and clinical characteristics of heart infiltration. In addition, no recommendations exist on how to treat patients with CLL/SLL and cardiac involvement.

Unusual complications in the management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common, indolent disease that typically presents with a proliferation of mature, immunologically dysfunctional CD5+ B-cells which preferentially occupy the bone marrow, peripheral blood and lymphoid organs. Immune dysfunction leads to an increase in autoimmune diseases which occur in approximately 10% of patients with CLL. Autoimmune cytopenias are the most common, but other organs may be affected as well. The treatment of these conditions typically depends on the extent of CLL and severity of symptoms, but generally consists of CLL-directed therapies, immunosuppression or both. CLL may also infiltrate extranodal sites in the body. Symptomatic extranodal CLL or extranodal disease which threatens normal organ function is an indication for initiation of CLL-directed therapy. The following review summarizes autoimmune and extranodal complications that can occur in patients with CLL and our suggested approach to their treatment.

Case Report: Primary Cardiac T-Cell Lymphoma With Complete Atrio-Ventricular Block Diagnosed by Endomyocardial Biopsy

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is a rare disease, the definite diagnosis of which is sometimes difficult and mainly relies on endomyocardial biopsy. Primary cardiac T-cell lymphoma (PCTL) is an extremely rare sub-type of PCL. Here, we report on a 47-year-old female with PCTL who presented with fever, syncope, palpitations, and a third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) on electrocardiogram. Chemotherapy was administered with two courses of methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, liposomal doxorubicin, vincristine, and dexamethasone (MTX-CHOP). As the tumor vanished, AVB changed from third degree to second degree and finally to sinus rhythm. In conclusion, endomyocardial biopsy is valuable in the diagnosis of primary cardiac lymphoma. It is worth noting that alterations in the electrocardiogram may indicate an attack on the heart by PCTL.

Acute left ventricular insufficiency in a Burkitt Lymphoma patient with myocardial involvement and extensive local tumor cell lysis: a case report

Background

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a rare disease with the sporadic variant accounting for less than 1% of adult non-Hodgkin lymphomas. BL usually presents with an abdominal bulk, but extranodal disease affecting the bone marrow and central nervous system is common. Cardiac manifestations, however, are exceedingly rare, with less than 30 cases reported in the literature.

Case presentation

We report on a 54-year-old male patient with a six week-long history of paranasal sinus swelling, fatigue and dyspnea on exertion. Stage IV sporadic BL with extensive lymphonodal and cardiovascular involvement was diagnosed. Manifestations included supra- and infradiaphragmatic lymphadenopathy as well as infiltration of the aortic root, the pericardium, the right atrium and the right ventricle. EBV-reactivation was detected, which is uncommon in the sporadic subtype. After initial full-dose chemotherapy with very good BL control, the patient developed acute, but fully reversible cardiac insufficiency. Myocardial lymphoma involvement receded completely during the following two therapy cycles, while cardiac function periodically deteriorated shortly after chemotherapy administration and quickly recovered thereafter. Interestingly, the decline in cardiac function lessened with decreasing myocardial lymphoma manifestation. Once the cardiovascular BL infiltration was resolved, cardiac function remained stable throughout further treatment. Following seven cycles of chemotherapy and mediastinal radiation, the patient is now in continued complete remission.

Conclusions

Although rare, cardiac involvement in BL can quickly become life-threatening due to rapid lymphoma doubling time and should therefore be considered at initial diagnosis. This case suggests an association between myocardial infiltration, chemotherapy associated tumor cell lysis and transient deterioration of cardiac function until the damage caused by the underlying lymphoma could be restored. While additional studies are needed to further elucidate the mechanisms of acute cardiac insufficiency due to lymphoma lysis in the infiltrated structures, prompt BL control and full recovery of the patient supports courageous treatment start despite extensive cardiovascular involvement.

Primary Cardiac Lymphoma: Three Case Reports and a Review of the Literature

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is a rare entity that comprises only 1-2% of all cardiac tumors. Due to their scarcity and variable clinical presentation, early diagnosis is challenging. In this series, three cases of PCL from a single institution are described, which highlight the spectrum of presenting features and emphasize common principles. In the first case, a 73-year-old male who presented with dyspnea was found to have a 12.1 cm mass in the right ventricle. Biopsy via cardiac catheterization revealed diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). He was treated with chemoimmunotherapy and survived for two months. The second case describes a 55-year-old female who presented with chest pain. Imaging revealed a 3.1 cm right atrial mass and bilateral pleural effusions, with cytology from the latter demonstrating DLBCL. She was lost to follow up after three cycles of chemoimmunotherapy. In the last case, an 80-year-old female presented with weakness. A 4.0 cm mass was discovered in the right atrium and the patient expired shortly after admission. Autopsy confirmed the diagnosis of DLBCL. These case summaries are followed by a review of the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and treatment outcomes of PCL.

The role of cardiac CT and MRI in the diagnosis and management of primary cardiac lymphoma: A comprehensive review

Primary cardiac tumors comprise a distinct category of disorders that result in significant cardiac complications. Primary cardiac lymphomas (PCLs) constitute the second most frequent primary malignancy involving the heart. Without treatment, survival may be limited to just a few months; however, a timely therapeutic schedule may prolong the five-year survival. Accordingly, robust diagnostic modalities are essential to improve prognosis. We herein review the literature available in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Google Scholar and Scopus databases. Our review demonstrated that cardiac computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) employ multiple advanced sequences for tumor characterization with or without a contrast agent. These methods assist not only in differentiating PCLs from other cardiac masses such as cardiac thrombi but also in defining the extent of PCLs and conducting a safe biopsy. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and CT imaging provide essential knowledge regarding PCLs and cardiotoxicity induced by therapeutic regimens. The application of these robust imaging modalities aids in the early diagnosis of PCLs, accelerates the initiation of the treatment program, and improves patient outcomes significantly. Also presented is our introduction into novel techniques and the feasibility of their use to diagnose and treat cardiac masses, particularly PCLs. It should be mentioned that the paramount role of FDG-PET was not the focus of this paper.

Progressive Heart Failure and Death as the Initial Manifestation of NK/T-Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Natural killer/T-cell (NK/T-cell) lymphoma is a rare-type non-Hodgkin lymphoma derived from NK cells or cytotoxic T cells. Here, we present a case of a 40-year-old woman who experienced quick-developed global heart failure and then was diagnosed with NK/T-cell lymphoma through lymphoid biopsy. Neither transthoracic echocardiography nor any radiological images detected a mass in her heart or pericardium. Elevated plasma troponin level and diffused patchy areas of gadolinium late enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance were compatible with myocarditis. Considering the persistently elevated cytokine level, systemic inflammation symptoms, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and cardiac dysfunction, a cytokine storm secondary to NK/T-cell lymphoma was considered. Due to the refractory malignant arrhythmia, the patient died soon after being admitted to our hospital.

An Unusual Hodgkin's Lymphoma Journey: Cardiac Tamponade, Primary Refractoriness, Immune Thrombocytopenia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is a lymphoid neoplasm in which malignant Hodgkin or Reed-Sternberg cells are present in tissues mixed with heterogeneous non-malignant inflammatory cells. Pericardial effusion (PEEF) in HL is rare. Furthermore, hemodynamically significant effusions causing cardiac tamponade (CTp) are exceedingly uncommon. CTp as the initial presentation of HL is extremely rare. We describe the case of a 21-year-old man who presented with CTp requiring pericardiocentesis. On further workup, he was found to have a large mediastinal mass with a biopsy consistent with classic HL. His clinical course was complicated by the development of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Case Report: Cardiac Involvement by Lymphoma: Rare but Heterogeneous Condition With Challenging Behaviors

Cardiac lymphomas are rare extranodal lymphomas involving primarily and secondarily the heart and/or pericardium. Here we describe three cases of cardiac involvement from lymphoma with specific peculiarities: two primary cardiac Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphomas and one secondary involvement from Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL). The first case highlights the issue of early CNS relapse and the possible role for CNS prophylaxis; the second case demonstrates the difficulties of interpretation and possible mistakes of different radiologic techniques adopted to evaluate cardiac involvement by lymphoma during follow-up; the third is a unique case of MZL with cardiac involvement. Our aim is to share the findings observed in these cases putting them in relation with data from the literature.

Diffuse B Cell Lymphoma Leading to Complete Heart Block: Is This Transient or Permanent?

Patient: Female, 72-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Cardiac lymphoma

Symptoms: Dyspnea on exertion

Medication:—

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Cardiology • Oncology

Primary cardiac lymphoma

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to understand the population-level treatment modalities and to evaluate the survival benefits of surgical resection in primary cardiac lymphoma.

METHODS

We queried the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database, which covers 35% of the US population. Patients with a histologic diagnosis of primary cardiac lymphoma from 1973 to 2015 were included. Multivariable accelerated failure time regression was performed to evaluate the associations between clinical factors and overall survival.

RESULTS

A total of 184 patients were identified. The median age was 68 years, 80% were White, and 46% were women. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (80%) was the most common histology, and the majority (65%) was low-stage lymphoma (Ann Arbor stage I or II). Median survival was 2.2 years. Seventy-three percent of patients received chemotherapy. Only 10% of patients received local resection or debulking. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that local resection or debulking was not independently associated with overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.30-1.48; P = .32). Instead, chemotherapy (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.69; P < .001) was independently associated with improved survival, whereas increasing age (adjusted hazard ratio of 5-year increment, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.22; P <.001) and advanced stage (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-3.56; P < .001) were independently associated with worse survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection was not independently associated with survival in patients with primary cardiac lymphoma. Chemotherapy was the predominant treatment option and associated with improved survival, whereas increasing age and advanced stage were independently associated with worse outcomes.

The incidence and survival outcomes of patients with primary cardiac lymphoma: A SEER-based analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and prognosis of primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) by using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) database. Patients diagnosed with PCL and the disease incidence in the SEER database from 1975 to 2016 were included. Overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival (CSS) curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to identify associations with outcome measures. The incidence of PCL was 0.011/100 000, and a predominance of elderly and male patients was observed. A total of 144 patients were enrolled. The median age of onset was 68 (9-96) years, including 80 (55.6%) males and 64 (44.4%) females. Multivariate analysis revealed that age and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for OS (both P < .05). Ann Arbor stage and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for CSS (both P < .05). In terms of treatment modality, chemotherapy combined with surgery was an independent protective factor for OS and CSS (both P < .05). For patients with primary cardiac diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (cardiac DLBCL), multivariate analysis also showed that age, Ann Arbor stage, and chemotherapy were all independent prognostic factors for OS and CSS (all P < .05). Chemotherapy combined with surgery was associated with a significant benefit in terms of OS and CSS (both P < .05). Our study confirmed that older age and advanced Ann Arbor stage were independent risk factors for PCL, and treatment with chemotherapy or cooperation with surgery resulted in better long-term survival.

Primary Mediastinal Nodal and Extranodal Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas: Current Concepts, Historical Evolution, and Useful Diagnostic Approach: Part 1

Primary mediastinal non-Hodgkin lymphomas (PM-NHLs) represent ~5% of all NHLs and comprise lymphomas of B-cell and T-cell origin. PM-NHLs are defined as involvement of mediastinal lymph nodes, thymus, and/or mediastinal organs (heart, lung, pleura, pericardium) by NHL without evidence of systemic disease at presentation. The clinical scenario is variable and depends on the lymphoma subtype. The radiologic presentation is also variable ranging from a mediastinal mass with or without superior vena cava syndrome, a pleural or a cardiac mass associated with an effusion, or as an effusion only. The diagnosis of PM-NHLs can only be established by microscopic evaluation, and therefore, general pathologists should be aware of these tumors and familiar with their diagnostic approach. The most common anterior mediastinal NHLs (90% to 95%) are primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma and T lymphoblastic lymphoma. Thymic marginal zone lymphoma and mediastinal gray zone lymphoma are very rare. The remainder PM-NHLs involving middle or posterior mediastinum include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and rare cases of T-cell lymphoma, including anaplastic large cell lymphoma and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma extending to the anterior mediastinum. Primary pleural and cardiac NHLs are mostly DLBCLs. Other rare subtypes of PM-NHLs include DLBCL associated with chronic inflammation/pyothorax-associated lymphoma, fibrin-associated DLBCL (both EBV), and pleural and/or pericardial primary effusion lymphoma (HHV-8/EBV). We review the historical aspects, epidemiology, clinico-radiologic features, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, differential diagnosis, and relevant cytogenetic and molecular features of PM (thymic) LBCL, PM "nonthymic" DLBCL, BCL, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between DLBCL and classic Hodgkin lymphoma (mediastinal gray zone lymphoma), DLBCL associated with chronic inflammation (pyothorax-associated lymphoma), fibrin-associated DLBCL, and primary effusion lymphoma. This review represents the first part of 2 manuscripts covering PM-NHLs.

Cardiac involvement in disseminated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, successful management with chemotherapy dose reduction guided by cardiac imaging: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Secondary cardiac involvement by lymphoma has received limited attention in the medical literature, despite its grave prognosis. Although chemotherapy improves patients’ survival, a subgroup of treated patients dies suddenly due to myocardial rupture following chemotherapy initiation. Reducing the initial chemotherapy dose with dose escalation to standard doses may be effective in minimizing this risk but the data are limited. We report on the successful management of a patient with disseminated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) involving the heart using such approach.

CASE SUMMARY

An 18-year-old male presented to our hospital with six months history of progressive dyspnea, orthopnea and cough. On physical examination, the patient was found to have a plethoric and mildly edematous face, fixed elevation of the right internal jugular vein, suggestive of superior vena cava obstruction, and a pelvic mass. Investigations during admission including a thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) scan with CT guided biopsy of the pelvic mass, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging led to the diagnosis of disseminated DLBCL with cardiac involvement. The patients were successfully treated with chemotherapy dose reduction followed by dose escalation to standard doses, under the guidance of cardiac imaging. The patient completed chemotherapy and underwent a successful bone marrow transplant. He is currently in remission and has a normal left ventricular function.

CONCLUSION

Imaging-guided chemotherapy dosing may minimize the risk of myocardial rupture in cardiac lymphoma. Data are limited. Management should be individualized.

Pericardial effusion as first presentation of disseminated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

A 46-year-old woman with quiescent lupus presented with worsening pleuritic chest pain and dyspnoea. Bedside echocardiogram confirmed large pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade. Emergency bedside pericardiocentesis was performed. Pericardial fluid cytology confirmed diffuse large B cell lymphoma, stage four on positron emission tomography. Conventional rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone chemotherapy achieved good response in all sites except the pericardium. Progressive cardiac involvement was complicated by atrioventricular conduction block requiring permanent pacemaker. Second-line palliative chemotherapy was performed.

Cardiac biopsy with intracardiac echocardiographic guidance for successful diagnosis of cardiac lymphoma

The diagnosis and appropriate treatment of cardiac lymphoma are often delayed by the difficulty in obtaining heart tissue biopsies. Intracardiac echocardiography-guided biopsy can improve the prognosis of cardiac lymphoma by decreasing postbiopsy complications and increasing biopsy quality, allowing collection of sufficient material for multilateral analysis.

Pericardial Involvement with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: A Rare Case of Constrictive Pericarditis

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CLL/SLL can involve the pericardium and may present as constrictive pericarditis.

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Echocardiography and cardiac MRI can aid in diagnosing constrictive pericarditis.

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Radical pericardiectomy is a treatment option for malignant pericardial involvement.

Primary cardiac MYC/BCL6 double hit non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Cardiac and pericardial involvement by malignant lymphoma is a rare condition. The present case report describes a case of primary cardiac MYC/BCL6 double hit non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the pericardium, and highlights the importance of a prompt diagnosis and aggressive pharmacologic treatment of this disease. In a symptomatic patient, a minimally invasive 3 cm sub-xiphoidal incision was performed under deep sedation with spontaneous ventilation to perform a pericardial biopsy. A 5 cm × 3 cm portion of pericardium was removed from above the right ventricle, thus ameliorating the extrinsic compression on the right chambers. The patient received 6 cycles of immuno-chemotherapy (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and methylprednisolone), with no complications, achieving complete remission with no symptoms. Malignancies must be excluded in every case of acute pericardial disease with imaging techniques, and lymphomas should be always considered in the differential diagnosis of cardiac tumors. Complete surgical removal of the tumor is not necessary to achieve complete remission, and minimally invasive surgical approaches are an effective tool to confirm diagnosis and allow a precise histologic characterization. <Learning objective: Primary MYC/BCL6 double hit non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare tumor of the pericardium, which requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Minimally invasive surgical approaches are an effective tool to confirm diagnosis and allow a precise histologic characterization. Pericardial tumors should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute pericardial disease presenting with pericardial effusion. Double hit diffuse large B cell-lymphoma has a poor prognosis with standard chemotherapy and the treatment should be tailored according to the patient's comorbidities and performance status.>.

Primary Cardiac T Cell Lymphoma Mimicking ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Primary cardiac T cell lymphoma is an extremely rare condition with only a handful of biopsy-proven cases worldwide. We present a 62-year-old female presenting with nonspecific chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and anterolateral ST-elevation on electrocardiogram mimicking a ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Imaging revealed a cardiac mass and cardiac catheterization showed diffuse noncritical coronary disease with an occluded 2nd diagonal branch. Biopsy via minimally invasive cardiac surgery showed a pathologically proven diagnosis of primary cardiac T cell lymphoma. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case worldwide of primary cardiac T cell lymphoma that has resulted in ST-elevation mimicking a myocardial infarction.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma mimicking cardiac amyloidosis

Our case highlights that cardiac lymphoma may mimic amyloid infiltration of the myocardium on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and is a particularly challenging diagnosis in the setting of transformed Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Heightened suspicion and early diagnosis of cardiac lymphoma is paramount as chemotherapy has been demonstrated to portent an increased survival rate.

Primary osseous Burkitt lymphoma with nodal and intracardiac metastases in a child

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is the most frequent non-Hodgkin lymphoma in pediatric patients, accounting for approximately 34% of the cases of lymphoma in children. This subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma was first described in 1958 as a monoclonal proliferation of B cell lymphocytes. Cardiac involvement of BL in association with osseous compromise and lymphadenopathy is rare and poorly documented. We report a case of femur primary BL in an 8-year-old boy with metastatic cardiac involvement, retroperitoneal and iliofemoral lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly. We highlight the diagnostic challenge in a patient with clinical nonspecific findings and systemic disease.