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Comparing Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Model Established in Mouse Kidney and on Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane
Published on: February 8, 2020
Renal cell carcinoma, metastatic to the left ventricle
Jaime Aburto1, Brian A Bruckner, Shanda H Blackmon
1Division of Cardiac Surgery, Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA. jaburto@tmhs.org
Abstract:
Left ventricular metastases from renal cell carcinoma without vena caval or right atrial involvement are extremely rare. Herein, we present the case of a 69-year-old man who had undergone radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma in 1984. Eighteen years thereafter, we discovered metastatic disease in his left ventricle.When the metastasis was identified, the patient had no symptoms other than shortness of breath. He underwent surgical removal of a highly vascular mass from the left ventricular wall and resection of a nodule in the upper right pulmonary lobe. Upon pathologic examination, both tumors were metastatic renal cell carcinomas. The patient recovered uneventfully and was free of cardiac recurrence more than 6 years after the surgery. We describe our treatment of this patient and discuss some current approaches to the treatment of renal cell carcinoma that has metastasized to the heart.
Insights
Left ventricular metastases from renal cell carcinoma are rare. This case highlights successful surgical removal of a cardiac metastasis 18 years after initial treatment, with no recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) rarely metastasizes to the heart.
- Left ventricular involvement without vena caval or right atrial spread is exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old male, 18 years post-nephrectomy for RCC, presented with shortness of breath.
- A highly vascular mass was identified in the left ventricle, alongside a pulmonary nodule.
Findings:
- Both the cardiac mass and pulmonary nodule were pathologically confirmed as metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
- Surgical resection of the left ventricular metastasis and pulmonary nodule led to an uneventful recovery.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the feasibility of surgical intervention for rare cardiac metastases from RCC.
- Long-term surveillance is crucial for patients with a history of RCC, even decades after initial treatment.
- Discusses current treatment strategies for cardiac metastasis of renal cell carcinoma.
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