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Primary malignant cardiac tumors in children
W S Barnes1, A W Craft, A S Hunter
1Department of Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Primary malignant cardiac tumors are rare in children, with only 4 identified cases between 1962-1983. Despite no metastases, all patients died, suggesting cardiac transplantation as a potential consideration.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Primary malignant cardiac tumors are exceedingly rare in pediatric populations.
- A comprehensive review of reported cases in Great Britain from 1962 to 1983 was conducted.
Observation:
- A review of 13 reported cases identified only 4 definitively malignant primary cardiac tumors in children.
- The incidence was estimated to be between 1 in 38 million and 1 in 90 million live births.
Findings:
- All four pediatric patients diagnosed with malignant cardiac tumors ultimately died.
- No evidence of metastatic disease was observed in any of the cases at the time of death.
Implications:
- The rarity and high mortality underscore the aggressive nature of these tumors.
- Cardiac transplantation should be considered as a potential therapeutic option for eligible patients.