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[A case of primary cardiac tumor in childhood. Echographic and anatomo-pathologic study]
M Colantonio1, G Oddi, E Picchio
1USL RM 10, Ospedale S. Camillo de Lellis, Roma, Italia.
Insights
A rare fibroelastic hamartoma in a four-month-old infant
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Cardiac Pathology
Background:
- Primary cardiac tumors are rare in children, with benign forms comprising 90% of cases.
- Despite being benign, these tumors can have a fatal course due to their location.
- Fibroelastic hamartoma is an uncommon cardiac tumor in pediatric patients.
Observation:
- A case report of a four-month-old infant with multiple malformations and a cardiac mass is presented.
- Initial diagnostic signs included electrocardiogram (ECG) alterations and chest X-ray (CXR) findings.
- Bidimensional echocardiography identified the mass within the interventricular septum.
Findings:
- Cardiac catheterization ruled out connections between the tumor and coronary arteries.
- The infant experienced a fatal outcome, likely due to hyperkinetic ventricular arrhythmia, prior to surgical intervention.
- Post-mortem examination confirmed the diagnosis of fibroelastic hamartoma, differentiating it from other cardiac tumor types.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and potential severity of rare cardiac tumors in infants.
- Early detection through echocardiography is crucial for suspected cardiac masses.
- Understanding the pathology of fibroelastic hamartoma is important for pediatric cardiac care and research.
Abstract:
Primary cardiac tumors are rare in children. The benign forms constitute 90% of cases, with often fatal clinical course due to the origin site. Here is reported a case of fibroelastic hamartoma in a four month baby, with multiple malformations, in which the initial signs have been alterations of ECG and of the cardiac profile at Rx chest. Bidimensional echocardiography suggested the correct diagnosis, revealing the mass in the interventricular septum. Cardiac catheterization excluded connections with coronary arteries. The baby died before cardiosurgical operation, probably because of a hyperkinetic ventricular arrhythmia. Anatomo-pathologic examination discusses the diagnosis of this tumor versus other kinds, defining our case as a fibroelastic hamartoma.