Key result
A 28-year-old woman with symptomatic pericardial effusion initially misdiagnosed as idiopathic pericarditis was found to have classic Hodgkin's lymphoma, which responded well to chemotherapy and steroids.
Why the study?
Symptomatic pericardial effusion as the initial manifestation of Hodgkin's lymphoma is exceedingly uncommon with limited documented instances, highlighting the need to consider lymphoproliferative diseases in the differential diagnosis.
Case Report (n=1)
Symptomatic pericardial effusion can be a rare initial presentation of Hodgkin's lymphoma, emphasizing the importance of considering malignancy when presumed idiopathic pericarditis does not respond to standard treatment.
Raises suspicion for lymphoma in unexplained effusions; extends sparse reports but leaves diagnostic thresholds open.
Symptomatic pericardial effusion occurring as the initial manifestation of Hodgkin's lymphoma is exceedingly uncommon, and there are limited documented instances in the available literature. Pericardial effusion can present various differential diagnoses, and among these, malignancy is an important yet less frequently encountered cause. A heightened level of suspicion is crucial for establishing an accurate diagnosis, particularly when the patient's clinical course deviates from the anticipated trajectory. Through this case, we aim to emphasize the significance of considering lymphoproliferative diseases as a pertinent possibility in the differential diagnosis of pericardial effusion. Additionally, we underscore the importance of promptly reaching a diagnosis, as it can help prevent severe complications and enhance the patient's prognosis.
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Nogueira et al. (2023) conducted a case report in Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting as symptomatic pericardial effusion (n=1). Steroids and chemotherapy was evaluated on Symptom improvement and reduction of pericardial effusion and mediastinal mass. A 28-year-old woman with symptomatic pericardial effusion initially misdiagnosed as idiopathic pericarditis was found to have classic Hodgkin's lymphoma, which responded well to chemotherapy and steroids.
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