Image 70 of 89



Image Description

Primary cardiac lymphomas are extremely rare and make up only 1% to 2% of primary cardiac tumors. Due to their rarity, the diagnosis is usually delayed and often made post-mortem. Cardiac lymphomas have been reported in immunocompromised individuals (HIV+; transplant recipients). These patients tend to be younger with a striking male predominance. Sporadic cases involve older immunocompetent individuals. Most primary cardiac lymphomas are diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL).

This autopsy specimen is from an 89 y/o male who presented with biventricular failure. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with extensive involvement of both sides of the heart was an incidental finding on autopsy. Note the yellow-white areas of lymphoid infiltrate throughout the right ventricular myocardium. Image copyright: pathorama.ch.

Image 70 of 89