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Primary leiomyosarcoma of the left atrium
K Minakata1, Y Konishi, M Matsumoto
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Society Wakayama Medical Center, Wakayama-city, Japan. dr-kenji@po.iijnet.or.jp
Insights
A rare left atrial leiomyosarcoma caused congestive heart failure by obstructing heart valves. Despite surgical removal, the tumor recurred, leading to the patient's death shortly after the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) can be caused by various conditions, including rare cardiac tumors.
- Leiomyosarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal tumor, exceptionally rare in the heart.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old woman presented with symptoms indicative of CHF.
- Imaging revealed a left atrial mass, identified as leiomyosarcoma, obstructing the mitral valve and pulmonary veins.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the cardiac leiomyosarcoma was performed.
- The patient refused adjuvant therapies.
- Tumor recurrence was observed shortly after surgery, leading to rapid deterioration.
Implications:
- This case highlights the aggressive nature of cardiac leiomyosarcoma, even after apparent complete resection.
- The rarity of this tumor underscores the importance of considering unusual etiologies in the differential diagnosis of heart failure.
- Early detection and comprehensive treatment strategies, including adjuvant therapies, may be crucial for improving outcomes in patients with cardiac sarcomas.
Abstract:
A 69-year-old woman with symptoms of congestive heart failure had a left atrial leiomyosarcoma, an extremely rare cardiac tumor, which obstructed the mitral valve and pulmonary veins. Surgical resection was performed, but no other adjuvant therapy was administered because the patient refused it. Recurrence of the tumor occurred soon after surgery and the patient died 81 days postoperatively.