A Case of Isolated Cardiac Burkitt Lymphoma Causing Right-Sided Heart Failure

Abstract

Primary cardiac tumors are rare, as the most common cause of cardiac masses is from metastatic disease. In this article, a unique case of isolated cardiac Burkitt lymphoma causing right-sided heart failure in a 70-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with abdominal distension and lower-extremity swelling is described. The right ventricular mass was initially identified via computed tomographic scans of the abdomen and pelvis. Further workup included transthoracic echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging that showed extension of the mass into the right atrium and pericardium. Staging imaging and bone marrow biopsy revealed no evidence of metastatic disease. Cytology of the peritoneal fluid and biopsy of the right ventricular mass confirmed Burkitt lymphoma. The cardiac mass substantially decreased in size and the right-sided heart failure resolved after the initiation of chemotherapy, which highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment of Burkitt lymphoma.