Relapsing B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia in an adult presenting as an infiltrative cardiac mass with tamponade

J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2007 Nov;20(11):1319.e1-2. doi: 10.1016/j.echo.2007.04.011. Epub 2007 Jul 19.

Abstract

We present a case of a 51-year-old man with a history of bone-marrow transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia who returned 4 months later with cardiac tamponade. An echocardiogram showed a solid mass encasing the right ventricle (RV). Surgical biopsy of the mass revealed early relapse with lymphoblasts derived from B-cell precursors. We believe that this is the first description of relapsing B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting as an intrathoracic mass with direct invasion of the adjacent cardiac structures causing tamponade physiology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Tamponade / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cardiac Tamponade / etiology*
  • Heart Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications*
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography