Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
08:56
Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: September 24, 2021
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour at the pacemaker site
Sridhar Rathinam1, Heinke Kuntz, Jonathan Panting
1Regional Department of Thoracic Surgery, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
|December 31, 2009
Summary
This case report details an unusual malignant transformation of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) at a pacemaker site in a 64-year-old male. The resulting inflammatory fibrosarcoma was successfully resected and treated with radiotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT), also known as inflammatory pseudotumour, typically affects children and young adults.
- IMTs primarily occur in visceral organs and soft tissues.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old male presented with symptoms of fever, anorexia, and weight loss.
- Imaging revealed a soft tissue mass encasing a pacemaker in the left infraclavicular region.
- Initial biopsy was suspicious for soft tissue sarcoma.
Findings:
- Histological examination of the resected mass showed features of IMT with malignant transformation, diagnosed as inflammatory fibrosarcoma.
- The lesional cells were negative for common markers including CD21, smooth muscle actin, c-kit, cytokeratins, and ALK1.
- The tumour was well-encapsulated, hard, and embedded the pacemaker.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare instance of IMT malignant transformation at a pacemaker site.
- Early diagnosis and complete surgical resection are crucial for managing such rare oncological emergencies.
- Adjuvant radiotherapy may be beneficial in achieving an uneventful recovery.
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