Fibrin-associated large B-cell lymphoma: part of the spectrum of cardiac lymphomas

Am J Surg Pathol. 2012 Oct;36(10):1527-37. doi: 10.1097/PAS.0b013e31825d53b5.

Abstract

Cardiac lymphomas are rare, and the spectrum of pathologic features is not well defined. We encountered an unusual case of cardiac lymphoma residing within a presumed thrombus. To place such cases in context, we reviewed all cardiac lymphomas presenting to a large US cardiovascular medicine referral center during a 30-year period. A total of 14 cardiac lymphomas were identified, and these included 6 primary cardiac lymphomas (PCLs) and 8 lymphomas secondarily involving cardiac structures. Upon review, 3 of the PCLs were confirmed to be diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, involving the myocardium. The other 3 cases of PCL lacked myocardial invasion and showed lymphoma cells embedded in fibrin thrombus. Acute inflammation was not evident. These lymphomas presented in immunocompetent male individuals and involved either a prolapsed myxomatous mitral valve, a pseudomyxoma from the left atrium, or a thrombus arising in a synthetic aortic root graft. All 3 consisted of large atypical lymphocytes expressing a nongerminal center B-cell immunophenotype. Two cases were positive for Epstein-Barr virus (latency type III), but none demonstrated human herpes virus-8 latent nuclear antigen. No systemic disease was found at presentation or during follow-up. In our experience, fibrin-associated large B-cell lymphoma arising in the heart represents a substantial proportion of PCL. These lymphomas appear to represent an underrecognized variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with favorable outcome. Further study is needed to understand their natural history.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Coronary Thrombosis / metabolism
  • Coronary Thrombosis / pathology
  • Coronary Thrombosis / virology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / metabolism
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / pathology
  • Female
  • Fibrin / metabolism*
  • Heart Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Heart Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Heart Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Heart Neoplasms / virology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Immunocompetence
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / metabolism
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / pathology*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / virology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Fibrin