Complete regression of massive cardiac involvement associated with acute T cell leukemia following chemotheraphy

Adult T cell leukemia/lymphomas are aggressive disorders, which infiltrate not only the bone marrow but extensively the visceral organs as well. A case with left ventricular systolic dysfunction with myocardial infiltration and massive pericardial effusion which was demonstrated with echocardiography is discussed. The patient responded well to pericardial drainage and subsequent chemotherapy. The dramatic improvement in echocardiographic findings after chemotherapy gave a clue to investigate suspected patients with aggressive leukemia and lymphomas for exclusion of leukemic infiltration of myocardium.