Successful treatment of primary cardiac lymphoma with atrioventricular nodal block

Abstract

A 69-year-old female suffering from third-degree atrioventricular block with syncope underwent permanent pacemaker implantation. However, she developed shortness of breath 2 months after the implantation. Blood tests revealed elevated levels of LDH, CRP, BNP, and SIL-2R. Transthoracic echocardiography showed thickened left and right atrial walls with mild pericardial effusion. A diagnosis was made based on a CT scan and histology. Although most primary cardiac malignant lymphomas are associated with a poor prognosis, the patient was treated successfully with chemotherapy. Copyright © 2005 by the International Heart Journal Association.