Left atrial rhabdomyosarcoma mimicking mitral valve stenosis

A rare case of left atrial rhabdomyosarcoma is presented in a patient with symptoms of congestive heart failure mimicking a hemodynamically obstructive mitral stenosis and secondary pulmonary hypertension. Although the diagnosis of a cardiac neoplasm is often difficult, it should be suspected in any patient with idiopathic heart failure refractory to conventional therapy, or with systemic or pulmonary emboli without an obvious source. The possibility of a "tumor plop" should always be considered during auscultation of a diastolic click. If clinically suspected, echocardiography will usually establish the diagnosis and allow follow-up for recurrences. If the tumor is benign, cardiac surgery will be curative and, if malignant, chemotherapy or radiotherapy should be considered.