cardiac lymphoma
Rare malignant lymphoid neoplasm involving the heart, either as primary cardiac lymphoma or secondary cardiac involvement.
Full Definition
Cardiac lymphoma refers to malignant lymphoid neoplasms involving the heart and pericardium, which can be classified as primary cardiac lymphoma or secondary cardiac involvement from systemic disease. Primary cardiac lymphoma accounts for less than 2% of all primary cardiac tumors and most commonly represents diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The tumor typically involves the right side of the heart, particularly the right atrium and ventricle, and may extend into the pericardium causing effusion. Histologically, the neoplasm shows sheets of large atypical lymphoid cells with prominent nucleoli, positive for B-cell markers including CD20 and CD79a. Secondary cardiac involvement is more common and may occur with various lymphoma subtypes, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
Usage
Usage note: Specify 'primary' or 'secondary' to clarify whether the lymphoma originated in the heart or represents metastatic disease.
In Context
- "Flow cytometry confirmed the diagnosis of cardiac lymphoma, showing a monoclonal B-cell population positive for CD20." — Flow cytometry report
- "The cardiac lymphoma presented as a large right atrial mass with associated hemorrhagic pericardial effusion." — Imaging correlation report