Challenges in the diagnostics of mantle cell lymphoma in an elderly comorbid patient

We present a case of a rare lymphoproliferative disease diagnosed while differentiating between the causes of exudative-constrictive pericarditis. An 83-year old man was hospitalized with shortness of breath, edema and newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF). Initially, the signs and symptoms were interpreted as manifestations of heart failure due to old myocardial infarction, arterial hypertension and AF. However, no significant systolic or diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle and valve disease were identified and natriuretic peptide level was normal. Despite treatment, dyspnea and edema persisted, and pleural effusion (requiring drainage) and pericardial effusion increased. Repeated echocardiography showed signs of exudative-constrictive pericarditis. We consequently excluded the infectious (tuberculosis) and non-infectious (electrolyte disorders, hypothyroidism, solid tumors) etiologies of effusion. Taking into account the long-standing mediastinal lymphadenopathy (the patient had been previously examined, but the cause not identified), anemia, episodes of low-grade fever, weight loss, and polyneuropathy, a lymphoproliferative disease was suspected. Serum protein electrophoresis identified an M spike in the gamma globulin region. Immunophenotyping of peripheral blood lymphocytes and immunohistochemical examination of bone marrow confirmed the diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma. The patient was referred for specialized treatment. At 5 months of the follow-up, the therapy was successful, the patient was stable with no cardiac complaints, no edema, and no new AF episodes. The case demonstrates the need to strictly follow differential diagnostic algorithms to identify the causes of nonspecific symptoms beyond one medical specialty.