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Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Laparoscopic Anatomical Resection of the Right Anterior Lobe Based on the Laennec Capsule Technique
Published on: May 2, 2025
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.
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.
Abstract:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most prevalent cancer in the world, but metastatic disease to the heart is rare. We present a case of a 63-year-old man with history of hepatitis C and cirrhosis, which had progressed to HCC. The patient had undergone two prior liver transplantations. He presented to the hospital complaining of worsening lower extremity edema. His exam was also pertinent for jugular venous distension, a 3/6 crescendo-decrescendo murmur, and hepatosplenomegaly. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a large irregular lobulated mass in the apex of the right ventricle with a mobile pedunculated component. An MRI of the heart revealed a 4.4 × 3.4 × 4.0 cm mass within the right ventricular apex, which was subsequently biopsied and found to be moderately differentiated HCC with myocardial fragments. The patient opted out of any further therapy, or intervention, and was enrolled in hospice care.
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