Primary cardiac diffuse B cell lymphoma presenting with right heart failure: a case report and review of literature

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is one of the rarest tumours of the heart, which is typical of non-Hodgkin’s type and involves only the heart and pericardium. It accounts for 1.3% of all cardiac tumours, and diffuse B cell lymphomas are more frequent type of PCL. A 52-year-old male was admitted to our department with features of right sided heart failure, and 2D echocardiography and colour Doppler study revealed right atrial myxoma. The patient underwent surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass. Intraoperatively, there was a large, lobulated, firm mass of size 5 cm × 4 cm × 3 cm arising from the lateral wall of the right atrium involving the roof and extending up to the superior vena cava. Histopathology study confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse B cell lymphoma. The patient was treated with chemotherapy post-operatively. PCL, although a rare variety of cardiac tumour, must be considered as a differential diagnosis in elderly patients presenting with cardiac failure. Therefore, proper evaluation is mandatory and timely management is required in such cases.