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Updated: May 31, 2026
14:58
Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Neoplastic superior vena cava obstruction: combined approach
1Department of Heart and Great Vessels, Sapienza University of Rome, Cardiac Surgery Unit, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy. david.rose@uniroma1.it
European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
|July 13, 2011
Summary
Primary cardiac angiosarcomas are rare, aggressive malignant heart tumors, often diagnosed at advanced stages. Multidisciplinary treatment combining chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery offers the best chance for survival.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Primary cardiac tumors are rare, with benign tumors accounting for 90% of cases.
- Malignant primary cardiac tumors are uncommon, with angiosarcomas being the most frequent type.
Observation:
- Angiosarcomas predominantly arise in the right atrium, often affecting younger males.
- These tumors frequently present as locally advanced disease, hindering complete surgical removal.
- Metastasis, both macroscopic and microscopic, is common, leading to a poor prognosis.
Findings:
- Symptoms typically manifest over months, with a median survival of 6 to 11 months.
- Common causes of death include complications from recurrent disease, such as cardiac tamponade and hemopericardium.
Implications:
- Multidisciplinary treatment strategies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, are crucial for improving survival.
- Neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiation plays a vital role in managing unresectable tumors, aiming to increase short-term survival.
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