Giant pulmonary hamartoma causing acute right heart failure

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Cardiology
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Pulmonary hamartomas are benign lung neoplasms, typically asymptomatic and discovered incidentally.
• Giant hamartomas, defined as >5 cm, are exceptionally rare, with limited case reports.
• Chondroid hamartomas, a subtype, are characterized by cartilaginous elements.

Observation:

• A 59-year-old female presented with symptoms of acute right heart failure.
• Imaging revealed a large mass in the lower lobe of the right lung.
• The mass was diagnosed as a giant chondroid hamartoma.

Findings:

• The giant chondroid hamartoma was significantly impacting cardiac function.
• Right heart failure was the primary clinical manifestation of this rare lung tumor.
• Surgical resection was considered for definitive management.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for pulmonary hamartomas, even benign ones, to cause severe cardiopulmonary compromise.
• It expands the known clinical spectrum of giant pulmonary hamartomas.
• Highlights the importance of considering thoracic masses in the differential diagnosis of unexplained heart failure.