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Published on: March 27, 2018
Isolated Right Atrial Mass in a Candidate of Coronary Bypass Grafting
Feridoun Sabzi1, Aghigh Heidari2, Reza Faraji1
1Kermanshah Cardiovascular Research Centre, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Insights
This case study highlights a rare instance of isolated right atrial metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a patient with coronary artery disease (CAD). The successful combined surgical treatment demonstrates a viable approach for managing this complex presentation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) frequently metastasizes, but intra-atrial metastasis is exceptionally rare.
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) often coexists with HCC, presenting complex management challenges for cardiac surgeons.
Observation:
- A patient with known HCC and CAD presented with chest pain overshadowing abdominal symptoms.
- Echocardiography revealed a large right atrial mass, distinct from typical HCC-related thrombus.
- The patient underwent successful combined resection of the right atrial mass and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Findings:
- This case represents an isolated, sole metastasis to the right atrium from HCC, a highly unusual finding.
- The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged within 10 days.
- Six-month follow-up showed no recurrence after completion of hepatic lobectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy.
Implications:
- Combined surgical intervention can be effective for rare cases of HCC with isolated right atrial metastasis.
- Early detection and multidisciplinary management are crucial for improving outcomes in patients with coexisting HCC and CAD.
- This case expands the understanding of HCC metastatic patterns and the surgical possibilities in complex oncological scenarios.
Abstract:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not uncommon neoplasm, and its occurrences with coronary artery disease (CAD) is more confronted by cardiac surgeon today. In most cases, when the HCC is detected, it has invaded to regional or distant sites. The most frequent location of HCC metastasis includes pulmonary system, musculoskeletal, lymphatic system, and central nervous system. Indeed, intra-atrial metastasis is a rare phenomenon and associated with poor outcome. We report a case of CAD with known HCC that referred for CABG before scheduling for hepatic tumor management. His severe typical chest pain, aggravated by mild activity so his abdominal pain is shadowed by chest pain. The abdominal ultrasound revealed a large mass in the left hepatic lobe. Chest x-ray was unremarkable. Routine preoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TEE) exhibits a large sessile mass in the right atrium. The patient underwent combined resection of right atrial mass and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. The most of HCC patients with RA involvement usually presenting with lengthy thrombus that continues from vascular invasion site to RA, however, as in our patient, isolated and sole metastasis to RA is an exceptional phenomenon in HCC. The clinical postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient discharged on the 10th day of operation. The six-month follow-up revealed no recurrence of right atrial mass when the patient completed his treatment by hepatic lobectomy and combined adjuvant chemotherapy.
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