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[A case of hemangioma of the heart]
Insights
A rare mediastinal tumor, cavernous hemangioma, was diagnosed in a 74-year-old woman presenting with chest pain. Radioisotope angiography proved useful for diagnosing this cardiac hemangioma.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Mediastinal tumors can present with diverse symptoms, including chest pain and palpitations.
- Cavernous hemangiomas, though rare in the mediastinum, require accurate diagnostic approaches.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old female presented with anterior chest pain and palpitations.
- Chest X-ray revealed mild cardiac enlargement; echocardiography localized a mediastinal tumor.
- Radioisotope angiography demonstrated enhancement in the aortic phase, suggesting vascularity.
Findings:
- Exploratory thoracotomy confirmed the mediastinal mass as a cavernous hemangioma.
- Histological examination provided the definitive diagnosis.
- The patient remained asymptomatic for over one year post-diagnosis and treatment.
Implications:
- Radioisotope angiography is a valuable tool for diagnosing cardiac and mediastinal hemangiomas.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of mediastinal tumors is crucial for effective management.
- Surgical intervention can lead to favorable outcomes for symptomatic mediastinal hemangiomas.
Abstract:
A-74-year old woman who had suffered from anterior chest pain and palpitation was admitted to our hospital. The chest X-ray photograph showed that the heart was enlarged mildly. We found that the tumor lay in the mediastinum by the echocardiograph and was enhanced at the aortic phase of the radioisotope angiography. In order to obtain the histological specimen, she underwent exploratory thoracotomy. The tumor was diagnosed as a cavernous hemangioma. She has been asymptomatic over 1-year period. The RI angiography seemed to be useful to diagnose the hemangioma of the heart.