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Updated: Jul 2, 2025

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix
Published on: June 14, 2016
A rare inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor appearing both inside and outside the heart
Jiarong Li1, Jijia Liu1, Xingwang Yao2
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Middle Renmin Road 139, Changsha, 410011, China.
Background:
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is an uncommon cardiac tumor that primarily affects infants, children, and young adults. While complete surgical resection generally leads to a favorable prognosis, accurate diagnostic tests remain limited.
Case Presentation:
We describe the case of a 26-year-old female who had a dual tumor inside and outside the heart and was misdiagnosed by echocardiography and MRI. We also review 71 cases of cardiac IMTs from the literature regarding their epidemiology, clinical presentation, and outcome.
Conclusion:
Early detection of this rare disorder is essential for optimal surgical management.
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