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A rare case of primary chondrosarcoma of the heart

Paolo Izzo1, Nunzia Ricci, Rosalia Capolupo

  • 1Divisione di Cardiologia e Dipartimento di Cardiochirurgia, Casa di Cura Villa Bianca, Città di Bari Hospital, Bari, Italy. paoloizzo@libero.it

Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine (Hagerstown, Md.)
|February 22, 2007
PubMed

Insights

A rare cardiac chondrosarcoma in the left atrium presented as an undetermined mass causing respiratory infection. Histology confirmed the diagnosis, and while surgery relieved symptoms, the tumor showed rapid regrowth.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Pathology
  • Oncology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Primary cardiac tumors are rare, with chondrosarcoma being exceptionally uncommon.
  • This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of intracardiac masses.
  • Left atrial masses can cause significant cardiopulmonary compromise.

Observation:

  • A 62-year-old woman presented with a left atrial mass, initially diagnosed as undetermined.
  • Advanced imaging (transesophageal echocardiography, multislice computed tomography) was insufficient for definitive diagnosis.
  • The mass obstructed pulmonary venous drainage, mimicking persistent respiratory infection.

Findings:

  • Histological examination of the operative specimen confirmed primary cardiac chondrosarcoma.
  • Surgical resection alleviated pulmonary venous obstruction and respiratory symptoms.
  • Postoperative imaging revealed rapid tumor recurrence within 3 months.

Implications:

  • Emphasizes the importance of histological confirmation for rare cardiac tumors.
  • Highlights the potential for aggressive behavior and recurrence of cardiac chondrosarcoma.
  • Suggests the need for close oncological surveillance after surgical management of primary cardiac chondrosarcoma.

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