Isolated Right Ventricular Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Clinical Findings and Histopathology of an Atypical Presentation

JGH Open. 2024 Dec 20;8(12):e70079. doi: 10.1002/jgh3.70079. eCollection 2024 Dec.

Abstract

Cardiac metastases are a rare site for metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We describe an atypical presentation of an isolated right ventricular metastasis of HCC following successful treatment with no evidence of primary disease recurrence. The case presented as gradually worsening hypertension and erythrocytosis in the setting of normal surveillance scans and alpha-fetoprotein levels. The mass was detected on transthoracic echocardiogram and treated with surgical resection. Histopathological features of the tumor demonstrated features associated with WNT/β-catenin mutated HCC, such as microtrabecular, acinar, and bile staining with positive glutamine synthetase expression.

Keywords: Wnt beta‐catenin signaling pathway; hepatocellular carcinoma; metastasis; polycythemia.