Hepatocellular carcinoma to the right ventricle

George R Marzouka1, Apurva Badheka1, Alexis P Rodriguez2

  • 1Division of Cardiology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Clinical Research Building, Room 1107, Miami, FL 33136, USA.

Case Reports in Cardiology
|December 20, 2014
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare instance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasizing to the heart in a patient with a history of hepatitis C and cirrhosis. The cardiac mass was diagnosed via imaging and biopsy, leading to hospice care.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cardiology
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a globally prevalent cancer.
  • Cardiac metastasis from HCC is exceptionally rare.
  • This case involves a patient with a history of hepatitis C, cirrhosis, and prior liver transplants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of cardiac metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • To highlight the diagnostic findings and clinical presentation of this rare event.

Main Methods:

  • Case presentation of a 63-year-old male with advanced HCC.
  • Diagnostic imaging including transthoracic echocardiogram and cardiac MRI.
  • Biopsy of the cardiac mass for histopathological confirmation.

Main Results:

  • A large, irregular mass (4.4 × 3.4 × 4.0 cm) was identified in the right ventricular apex.
  • Histopathology confirmed moderately differentiated HCC with myocardial involvement.
  • Clinical presentation included lower extremity edema and cardiac murmur.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiac metastasis of HCC, though rare, can occur in patients with advanced liver disease.
  • Multimodality imaging and biopsy are crucial for diagnosis.
  • Management often involves supportive care and hospice due to advanced disease.

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