Atrial mass as an unusual presentation of ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma: case report




Gabriela T. León-Molina, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Metropolitano; Postgrado de Medicina Interna, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador; Quito, Ecuador
Juan F. Moscoso-Jaramillo, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Metropolitano, Quito, Ecuador
Hugo H. Lupera-Pazmiño, Servicio de Onco- Hematología, Hospital Metropolitano, Quito, Ecuador
Santiago A. Endara-Aguirre, Servicio de Cirugía, Hospital Metropolitano, Quito, Ecuador
Tanya M. Padilla-Molina, Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Metropolitano, Quito, Ecuador


We present the case of a female patient with cardiac tamponade and hemorrhagic pericardial effusion, with histological report of fluid compatible with mesothelial hyperplasia and acute suppurative inflammation. In transthoracic echocardiographic control, an echogenic mass is found that occupies almost the entire left atrium and another fixed mass at the level of the interatrial septum. At six months, the patient presents exacerbation of symptoms, enlargement of the left atrial mass, and a new implant in the right atrium. Surgery was performed, identifying an ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Four cycles of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and brentuximab were administered, and the lymphoma is currently on remission.



Keywords: Lymphoma. Atrial mass. ALK-negative. Brentuximab. Case report.