Primary Left Atrial Angiosarcoma Presenting as Acute Coronary Syndrome
Sandra Jaksic Jurinjak1, Josip Vincelj1, Igor Rudez2
1Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Dubrava, Avenija Gojka Šuška 6, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
The Heart Surgery Forum
|April 24, 2019
Summary
Primary cardiac angiosarcomas, though rare, can mimic myocardial infarction. Echocardiography is crucial for diagnosing these heart tumors, enabling timely surgical intervention and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Primary cardiac neoplasms are rare and frequently missed in differential diagnoses.
- Cardiac angiosarcomas represent the most common primary malignant heart tumors, often presenting with vague symptoms.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old woman presented with chest pain and myocardial infarction.
- Coronary angiography revealed left circumflex artery occlusion.
- Echocardiography identified a left atrial mass with suspected infiltration and vascularity.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the left atrial mass was performed.
- Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of angiosarcoma.
- This case highlights angiosarcoma as a cause of acute coronary syndrome.
Implications:
- Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography are vital for diagnosing rare cardiac neoplasms.
- Early diagnosis of cardiac tumors can significantly alter acute coronary syndrome management.
- Increased awareness of cardiac tumors in acute coronary syndrome presentations is warranted.
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