Leiomyosarcoma of the left atrium: a case report

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Taipei). 1997 Feb;59(2):136-40.

Abstract

Primary malignant cardiac tumors are uncommon, and cardiac leiomyosarcoma is extremely rare. We reported a case of left atrial (LA) leiomyosarcoma with unusual clinical manifestations. A 28-year-old female presented with unknown cause of fever, body weight loss and anemia for two months. Echocardiography and magnetic resonance image study disclosed a 5 x 3 x 3.6 cm3 lobulated mass in the LA with invasion to its posterior wall. Histologic and immuno-histochemical studies of the resected specimen revealed a picture of leiomyosarcoma. The patient improved after surgical resection and post-operative chemotherapy. The literature was reviewed with a discussion of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment strategy of this rare tumor. Diagnosis of LA leiomyosarcoma is frequently delayed to make a very poor prognosis. Postoperative chemotherapy should be considered because of highly possible incomplete resection. However, an optimal treatment regimen remains unknown.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dacarbazine / administration & dosage
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Fever of Unknown Origin / etiology
  • Heart Atria
  • Heart Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Heart Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Leiomyosarcoma / drug therapy
  • Leiomyosarcoma / surgery*

Substances

  • Dacarbazine
  • Doxorubicin