Tumor-Related Pericardial and Myocardial Infiltration in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Presenting as an ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Mimic: A Case Report

Zhandos K. Burkitbayev, Ainur Bilmakhanbetova, Aliya Omarbek, Aidarbekova K., Assel Zhumabekova, Tanyrbergenova A., Bayram Kochiev, Alexandr Kolesnev

Case Reports in Oncology, 2026

Full text Open access: Gold Metadata (CSL-JSON)

DOI 10.1159/000550935

Data confidence 70 medium

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Abstract

Background: Cardiac involvement in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is rare and often underrecognized. Concurrent pericardial and myocardial infiltration can mimic acute myocardial infarction on electrocardiography, posing diagnostic challenges. Case Presentation: We present a 64-year-old female with biopsy-confirmed DLBCL who developed acute respiratory symptoms and electrocardiographic changes mimicking ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Multimodal imaging revealed a large pericardial effusion, myocardial infiltration, and no obstructive coronary disease. Despite chemotherapy and supportive care, the patient succumbed to cardiopulmonary failure. Conclusion: This case highlights a rare manifestation of lymphoma-associated cardio-infiltration presenting as STEMI mimic. Early multidisciplinary evaluation is essential to differentiate pseudo-infarction syndromes and prevent unnecessary invasive interventions.