Fibrin-Associated Large B-Cell Lymphoma of Prosthetic Aortic Valve and Aortic Root Graft.

Background and clinical significance: Primary cardiac diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) arising in bioprosthetic valves is exceedingly rare. Most patients present with localized disease often masquerading as suspected thrombi or vegetations. Imaging studies are inconclusive and due to the rarity of the disease, treatment and follow-up data are very limited. Case presentation: We present one such case developing 9 years after aortic valve replacement in an otherwise immunocompetent patient, who presented with minor symptoms despite significant disease burden. This tumor contained Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), was confined to the site of origin, and has behaved non-aggressively after excision with a follow-up of 59 months.

Conclusions

This unique disease is classified as Fibrin-associated large B-cell lymphoma (FA-LBCL) in view of its distinct clinical-pathological features. This report also addresses the unique features of this type of lymphoma.