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A rare case of cardiac metastasis from uterine cervical adenocarcinoma
Shokoufeh Hajsadeghi1, Marziyeh Pakbaz2, Alireza Sadeghipour3
1Professor of Cardiology, Research Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Metastatic cardiac tumors are rare, typically from lung or breast cancer. This case highlights an extremely rare instance of cervical cancer metastasizing to the heart, causing a large atrial mass and tamponade.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Metastatic cardiac tumors are uncommon, with lung, breast, and esophageal cancers being the most frequent primary sites.
- Cardiac involvement typically affects the pericardium and myocardium, with endocardial metastasis being rare.
- Uterine cervical cancer, while common, rarely metastasizes to the heart.
Observation:
- A case of metastatic cervical adenocarcinoma presenting with a large right atrial mass and cardiac tamponade is described.
- The intracardiac mass was surgically removed.
- Pathological examination with immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis.
Findings:
- Cervical adenocarcinoma can metastasize to the heart, forming significant intracardiac masses.
- Such metastases can lead to life-threatening complications like cardiac tamponade.
- Surgical resection and detailed pathological analysis are crucial for diagnosis and management.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of primary cancers that can metastasize to the heart.
- Highlights the importance of considering rare metastatic sites in advanced cervical cancer.
- Underscores the potential for cardiac compromise and the role of surgical intervention in managing these rare presentations.
Abstract:
Metastatic cardiac tumors are rare and are usually from lung, breast, and esophageal cancers. Although uterine cervical cancer is relatively common, its metastasis to the heart is extremely rare. Herein, we report an unusual case of metastatic cervical adenocarcinoma to the heart presenting with a huge right atrial mass and tamponade. The cardiac mass was surgically resected and pathologic study with immunohistochemistry staining confirmed the diagnosis. <Learning objective: Metastatic cardiac tumors are rare. They usually originate from lung, breast, and esophageal cancers and mostly involve the pericardium and myocardium. The endocardium is rarely affected. Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecologic cancers with a relatively favorable prognosis unless it metastasizes to distant organs. Metastases to the heart are rarely reported. The patient may be asymptomatic or present with hemodynamic instability due to tamponade state and/or a huge intracardiac mass.>.
