Cystic atrioventricular node tumor excision by minimally invasive surgery

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery
• Pathology

Background:

• Cystic tumors in the atrioventricular (AV) node region are rare primary cardiac tumors.
• These tumors can cause significant cardiac conduction abnormalities, potentially leading to sudden death.

Observation:

• A 43-year-old woman presented with dyspnea and first-degree AV block.
• Echocardiography identified a cystic mass in the inferior interatrial septum, near the AV node.

Findings:

• The cystic mass was surgically excised.
• Histopathology confirmed it as a cystic tumor of the AV node region.
• The patient required a permanent pacemaker due to complete heart block post-excision.

Implications:

• This is the first reported case of an AV node region cystic tumor diagnosed ante mortem.
• Minimally invasive surgical treatment was successful.
• Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing this rare condition and preventing sudden cardiac death.