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Large hemangioma in a persistent left superior vena cava.
Wen Hu1, Xiang Wang, Sichuang Tan
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon
|November 27, 2012
Summary
This study details the first reported case of a large cardiac hemangioma within a persistent left superior vena cava. The rare tumor showed thrombus formation and a connection to the coronary sinus.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Cardiac hemangiomas are rare benign tumors, accounting for 1-2% of all benign heart tumors.
- While hemangiomas in the coronary sinus have been documented, masses within a persistent left superior vena cava are previously unreported.
- Persistent left superior vena cava is a rare congenital anomaly where the left superior vena cava does not regress during embryonic development.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old male presented with a rare, large, unicamerate cardiac hemangioma located in a persistent left superior vena cava.
- Imaging revealed a communication vein connecting the coronary sinus to the hemangioma.
- Thrombus formation was identified within the cardiac hemangioma.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of a cardiac hemangioma originating in a persistent left superior vena cava.
- The hemangioma was characterized as large and unicamerate, indicating a single chamber.
- The presence of a venous communication and thrombus formation highlights potential complications and diagnostic considerations.
Implications:
- This finding expands the known anatomical locations for cardiac hemangiomas.
- It underscores the importance of considering rare vascular anomalies in the differential diagnosis of cardiac masses.
- Further research may be needed to understand the specific etiology and management of hemangiomas in persistent left superior vena cava.
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