Rare Cardiac Tumor: Do We Know All About Cardiac Myxofibrosarcoma?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Primary cardiac tumors (PCTs) are rare, with an incidence of 1.38 per 100,000 population.
• Myxofibrosarcomas, a rare subtype of cardiac sarcoma, typically originate from mesenchymal cells and are often found in the left atrium.

Observation:

• A 55-year-old woman presented with transient aphasia, migraines, dyspnea, and hypotension.
• Neurological examination revealed a right-sided facial droop, and cardiac auscultation identified a murmur.
• Brain MRI showed non-hemorrhagic and watershed infarcts, while transesophageal echocardiography revealed a 5 cm left atrial mass causing mitral stenosis.

Findings:

• Histopathological analysis confirmed primary cardiac sarcoma.
• Complete surgical resection was performed.
• Postoperative PET scan indicated no metastatic disease, confirming primary cardiac origin.

Implications:

• This case highlights that rare cardiac pathologies can manifest with atypical, non-cardiac symptoms.
• Successful surgical management and adjuvant therapy can improve outcomes for primary cardiac sarcomas.
• Early diagnosis and comprehensive evaluation are crucial for managing these rare conditions.