Cardiac metastatic melanoma presenting with ventricular tachycardia: a multimodality imaging evaluation case report

Background: Cardiac tumours are rare; secondary, metastatic cardiac tumours are 22-132 times more common than primary cardiac tumours. Multimodality imaging can elucidate the mass anatomy, composition, haemodynamic consequences, and guide management plan.

Case summary: We present a case of large left ventricular mass presenting with unstable ventricular tachycardia. We describe the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, transthoracic echocardiography, and computed tomography findings used to assist in characterizing the left ventricular mass. We describe the multidisciplinary discussion involved in diagnosis, surgical biopsy, and treatment, and follow-up of cardiac metastatic melanoma.

Discussion: Metastatic melanoma should be within the differential for cardiac masses. Any patient presenting with a cardiac mass should be asked about history of skin malignancy. Multimodality imaging is crucial to diagnosis, staging, haemodynamic assessment, interventional and surgical planning, and assessment of response to therapy.