Primary cardiac lymphoma: a case report

Primary cardiac lymphomas are rare entities (1.3% of all primary cardiac tumors) of difficult clinical identification. We report a case of a primitive cardiac lymphoma in a 35-year-old immunocompetent patient, presenting with signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. Echocardiography revealed a lateral atrioventricular mass associated with large pericardial effusion. After pericardiocentesis, surgical excision was performed. Chemotherapy regimens were administered according to established protocols and were effective in inducing complete remission at 6 months.