Images That TeachPrimary pericardial angiosarcoma: A case report
Introduction
Cardiac angiosarcoma (AS) is the most common primary malignant cardiac tumor in adults.1 However, primary pericardial angiosarcoma is extremely rare. The diagnosis is often delayed due to nonspecific clinical symptoms. Owing to the aggressiveness of angiosarcoma, its prognosis is predominantly poor. The median overall survival (OS) ranging from 6 to 14 months.2 Herein, we report a case of an extensive pericardial angiosarcoma involving the right atrium and review relevant literatures to explore its imaging characteristics.
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Case report
A 22-year-old man presented at a nearby hospital with chest pain and stuffiness, syncope. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed massive pericardial effusion. The effusion culture for bacteria, acid-fast bacilli and viruses were negative, as well as the examination for malignant cells. Chest radiograph demonstrated the pneumonia of both lungs. His symptoms were relieved after pericardial effusion drained and anti-inflammatory treatment. Three months later, he presented with chest pain
Discussion
The incidence of primary cardiac tumor is low, which is reported as 0.0017%-0.033%.3 Angiosarcoma is the most common primary malignant cardiac tumor, it often occurs in those 30-50 years of age and the male to female ratio is (2-3):1. Right atrium is the most predilection site of cardiac angiosarcoma. The clinical symptoms and signs of primary cardiac angiosarcoma were not specific, so it’s hard to diagnose. Cardiac angiosarcoma often metastasizes to the lungs and bones.
The tumor detection
Conclusion
Primary pericardial angiosarcoma is extremely rare. The diagnosis is often delayed due to nonspecific clinical symptoms. Multimodality imaging can provide additional information for clinicians to timely diagnose and deliver adequate treatment to their patients.
Disclosures
Wencui Li, Lizhu Han and Zhaoxiang Ye declare that they have nothing to disclose.
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Sunray appearance on enhanced magnetic resonance image of cardiac angiosarcoma with pericardial obliteration
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Primary cardiac angiosarcoma: A clinicopathologic study of six cases
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