Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
06:29
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
10.4K
Calcified amorphous tumor in left atrium presenting with cerebral infarction
Jong Hui Suh1, Jong Bum Kwon1, Kuhn Park1
11 Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, 2 Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Journal of Thoracic Disease
|October 3, 2014
Summary
A rare cardiac tumor, calcified amorphous tumor (CAT), was surgically removed from a 70-year-old woman presenting with stroke-like symptoms. Pathologic examination confirmed CAT, with no recurrence observed post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Calcified amorphous tumor (CAT) is an exceptionally rare cardiac mass.
- Cardiac tumors can present with diverse clinical manifestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of cardiac calcified amorphous tumor (CAT).
- To highlight the diagnostic and management approach for this unusual cardiac mass.
Main Methods:
- A 70-year-old female presented with acute neurological deficits.
- Echocardiography and CT scan identified a left atrial mass originating from the interatrial septum.
- The mass was surgically resected and pathologically confirmed as CAT.
Main Results:
- Surgical resection of the left atrial mass was successful.
- Pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of calcified amorphous tumor (CAT).
- The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative recovery with no signs of recurrence during follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac calcified amorphous tumor (CAT) is a rare entity that can mimic other cardiac pathologies or present with neurological symptoms.
- Surgical resection is an effective treatment modality for cardiac CAT.
- Complete resection leads to favorable outcomes with no recurrence.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
4
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this...
4
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
811
The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
811
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
581
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
581
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
4
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
4
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
7
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
7
01:23Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
542
Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
542