Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma presenting as Right Atrial Mass and Cardiac Tamponade
Author Department
Internal Medicine; Medicine
Document Type
Article, Peer-reviewed
Publication Date
10-2025
Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most prevalent histologic subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. It usually presents with nodal involvement (cervical, mediastinal, or abdominal), but approximately 30% of patients will exhibit extranodal involvement, with 2-4% presenting as a primary cardiac mass. Multimodal imaging is essential to distinguish these masses from other common benign lesions and to assist in surgical planning. Here, we report a case of DLBCL manifested as a right atrial mass, pericardial effusion, and cardiac tamponade. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) were complementary to transthoracic echocardiogram in diagnosing the cardiac neoplasm, with positron emission tomography (PET-CT) aiding in staging and localizing the primary tumor. Biopsy of the cardiac mass or extracardiac involvement confirms the histopathological subtype and guides the treatment. Although primary and secondary cardiac tumors have poor outcomes, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment can influence prognosis.
Keywords: DLBCL; cardiovascular imaging; lymphoma; right atrial mass; tamponade.
Recommended Citation
Kothari C, Kattamuri L, Ramesh P, Zalaquett Z, Collier P, Alencherry B, Nanjundappa A. Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma presenting as Right Atrial Mass and Cardiac Tamponade. J Brown Hosp Med. 2025 Oct 1;4(4):144088. doi: 10.56305/001c.144088.
PMID
41050481