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Arrhythmogenic Left Ventricular Mass as the Initial Presentation of Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Erika Hutt1, Evan Whitehead1, Carmela D Tan1
1Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Insights
Left ventricular masses are rare, but cardiac sarcoidosis can mimic tumors. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is crucial for accurate diagnosis of these challenging cardiac conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Cardiac tumors in the left ventricle are uncommon clinical presentations.
- Accurate diagnosis of cardiac masses is essential for appropriate patient management.
- Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) offers superior soft-tissue characterization for cardiac imaging.
Observation:
- A patient presented with arrhythmia and a left ventricular mass.
- Initial evaluation suggested a cardiac tumor of the left ventricle.
Findings:
- The left ventricular mass was ultimately diagnosed as cardiac sarcoidosis.
- Cardiac sarcoidosis can present as a myocardial mass, mimicking primary or secondary cardiac tumors.
- Tissue diagnosis is critical for differentiating infiltrative diseases from neoplasms.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering infiltrative myocardial diseases, such as sarcoidosis, in the differential diagnosis of left ventricular masses.
- Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging plays a pivotal role in evaluating cardiac masses and guiding diagnostic pathways.
- A comprehensive diagnostic approach is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure optimal treatment for patients with cardiac masses.
Abstract:
Cardiac tumors of the left ventricle are rare, and cardiac magnetic resonance is the preferred imaging tool for evaluation given superior tissue characterization. We present a case of a patient with arrhythmia and left ventricular mass that was ultimately diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis, reminding us that tissue is the issue.
