An unexpected intracardiac location of yolk sac tumor

In the pediatric population, intracardiac tumors are rare, usually benign, and mostly diagnosed as rhabdomyoma. Yolk sac tumors (YSTs) are a rare malignant type of germ celltumor that typically occurs in gonads. It can also be seen in midline locations but the intracardiac location is extremely rare.

The case herein comprises an asymptomatic 2.5-year-old girl with a murmur detected under general examination.

Echocardiography showed a 3 × 3-cm mass in the right ventricle. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed a smooth contoured mass in the right ventricle lumen, which was compatible with rhabdomyoma. After surgical resection, the histopathological results showed a YST. This diagnosis was supported by high values of subsequent serum alpha feto-protein. There was no evidence for any other primary location.

When an intracardiac mass is observed, a YST should be considered. The increase in the alpha feto-protein level can help in the differential diagnosis.