New-onset cardiac rhabdomyoma beyond infancy in a patient with tuberous sclerosis complex

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pediatric Oncology
• Genetics

Background:

• Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder.
• Cardiac rhabdomyomas are common in TSC, typically appearing in infancy.
• These tumors often stabilize or regress spontaneously.

Observation:

• A male infant with TSC required surgical removal of a cardiac rhabdomyoma.
• At two years of age, a new rhabdomyoma developed in a different cardiac location.
• This new tumor also necessitated surgical resection.

Findings:

• The development of new cardiac rhabdomyomas beyond infancy in TSC patients is exceptionally rare.
• This case demonstrates the potential for late-onset rhabdomyoma formation in TSC.

Implications:

• Routine cardiac surveillance is crucial for all patients with tuberous sclerosis complex, even if asymptomatic.
• Continuous monitoring may be necessary to detect new or recurrent cardiac rhabdomyomas.
• This case underscores the importance of long-term follow-up in managing TSC-related cardiac manifestations.