Related Experiment Videos
[Hepatocellular carcinoma invading the right atrium: clinical, echographic and angiographic study]
Insights
Hepatocellular carcinoma can invade the heart, causing significant cardiac findings. Routine cardiac exams are crucial for early detection in patients with liver cancer.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hepatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with potential for vascular invasion.
- Tumor extension into the venous system can lead to complex clinical presentations.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old woman with HCC presented with tumor growth involving the right hepatic vein, inferior vena cava, and right atrium.
- Cardiac auscultation revealed a pansystolic bruit and a diastolic rumble at the tricuspid valve area.
Findings:
- Inferior vena cavography and echocardiography confirmed a large, mobile mass within the right atrium.
- The mass exhibited to-and-fro motion through the tricuspid valve, indicative of intracardiac tumor extension.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of thorough cardiac evaluation in HCC patients.
- Early detection of cardiac involvement in HCC can guide management and improve patient outcomes.
Abstract:
The authors report the case of a 54 year old woman suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor growth into right hepatic vein, inferior vena cava and right atrium. On cardiac examination, a pansystolic bruit and a diastolic rumble were audible at the tricuspid focus. Diagnosis was confirmed by inferior vena cavography and two-dimensional echocardiography, which demonstrated a large mobile mass in the right atrium moving to and fro through the tricuspid valve. This case report emphasizes the value of routine cardiac examination during the course of hepatocellular carcinoma.