Involvement of the right atrium by malignant lymphoma as a cause of right cardiac failure: Report of a case

We describe herein a rare case of malignant lymphoma occupying almost the e ntire space of the right atrial cavity and causing low cardiac output syndr ome. A life-saving emergency operation was carried out after the establishm ent of a temporary bypass between the axillary and femoral veins to prevent exacerbation of the patient's condition during the induction of anesthesia . Cardiopulmonary bypass was commenced and the right atrium was opened. A l arge tumor in the right atrium could not be completely removed due to invas ion of the atrial wall. A bypass from the left innominate vein to the pulmo nary arterial trunk was constructed with a prosthetic graft to convert the blood flow directly front the systemic vein to the pulmonary artery. Postop erative radiation treatment was given, which resulted in reducing the size of the tumor considerably, and the patient is doing well 1 year after his o peration.