Cardiac Myeloid Sarcoma: A 1-kg Heart
Paul Bamford1,2, Kelsey E Gardiner1, Michael D Parkinson3
1Gosford Hospital, Gosford, New South Wales, Australia.
JACC. Case Reports
|July 28, 2021
Summary
Cardiac myeloid sarcoma is a rare complication of acute myelomonocytic leukemia. This case highlights its fatal progression to decompensated heart failure, emphasizing the need for early detection in leukemia patients with cardiac symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- A 53-year-old male with acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AMML) in remission presented with pleurisy.
- Cardiac involvement in leukemia is uncommon but can be severe.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of cardiac myeloid sarcoma.
- To illustrate the diagnostic challenges and fatal outcome of this condition.
Main Methods:
- Transthoracic echocardiography was used to monitor cardiac function.
- Autopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Echocardiography revealed progressive left ventricular wall thickening and declining systolic function.
- Autopsy confirmed an enlarged heart (>1 kg) due to cardiac myeloid sarcoma.
- The patient died from decompensated heart failure.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac myeloid sarcoma can present insidiously in patients with a history of leukemia.
- This entity can lead to rapid cardiac decompensation and death.
- Increased awareness and cardiac monitoring are crucial for leukemia patients with cardiac symptoms.
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