Cardiac Angiosarcoma in the Right Atrium Treated by Surgical Resection

Medicina (Kaunas). 2024 Aug 15;60(8):1321. doi: 10.3390/medicina60081321.

Abstract

We present the case of a 49-year-old female of Caucasian European descent with chest tightness, fatigue, and palpitations, ultimately diagnosed with primary intracardiac angiosarcoma. Initial echocardiography revealed a significant mass within the right atrium, infiltrating the free wall. Surgical intervention included tumor excision and partial resection of the superior vena cava. Histopathological examination confirmed a high-grade angiosarcoma. Postoperative imaging identified a recurrent mass in the right atrium, suggestive of thrombus, alongside Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Considering the elevated surgical risks and the presence of cardiomyopathy, management included anticoagulation therapy with Warfarin and adjuvant chemotherapy with Paclitaxel. Follow-up cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a recurrent angiosarcoma with superimposed thrombus. This case presents the complex diagnostic and therapeutic landscape of angiosarcoma, highlighting the critical importance of early surgical intervention, advanced imaging techniques, and vigilant postoperative monitoring.

Keywords: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy; angiosarcoma; cardiac magnetic resonance imaging; multidisciplinary approach.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Echocardiography / methods
  • Female
  • Heart Atria* / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Atria* / surgery
  • Heart Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Hemangiosarcoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemangiosarcoma* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.