[Primary adenocarcinoma of the left atrium mimicking benign myxoma]

Z Kardiol. 2003 Mar;92(3):254-9. doi: 10.1007/s00392-003-0893-8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Primary tumors of the heart are rare, whereas cardiac metastases, most frequently from adenocarcinomas, occur in up to 20% of malignant tumors. We report about a 61-year-old female patient who was admitted with recurrent stress-induced dizziness, intermittent tachycardia and a fall due to a pre-syncope. Echocardiography showed a left atrial tumor with the typical features of a pediculated myxoma, leading to open heart surgery. However, histopathology revealed a 2.2 x 1.5 cm adenocarcinoma. The subsequent search for a primary tumor, including tumor markers and (18)F-FDG-PET, was unsuccessful, as was a second thorough diagnostic workup half a year later. The tumor was therefore classified as a primary cardiac adenocarcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Cardiac Catheterization
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Atria* / pathology
  • Heart Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Heart Neoplasms / pathology
  • Heart Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Myxoma / diagnosis*
  • Time Factors