A case of a neonatal cardiac tumor with ventricular tachycardia undergoing emergency surgery

Cardiac tumors in children are rare and usually have no obvious clinical symptoms. However, a small number of children may experience serious conditions such as arrhythmia, heart obstruction, and even death. When severe arrhythmia cannot be controlled by conservative treatment, surgical intervention is needed.

A 20-day-old male neonate, born full-term via cesarean section, was admitted to the emergency department with complaints of jaundice for 16 days and a rapid heart rate detected for one day. The heart rate was recorded at 280 beats per minute. An electrocardiogram (ECG) initially suggested supraventricular tachycardia, later progressing to ventricular tachycardia. A bedside echocardiogram indicated an intracardiac mass. Conservative treatment failed to restore normal heart rhythm, then the patient underwent emergency surgery with tumor resection under general anesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass. Post-surgery, ventilator-assisted breathing was administered, along with inotropic support, diuretics, anti-infective therapy, and fluid management. the heart rate and rhythm returned to normal. Postoperative pathology revealed the presence of a cardiac rhabdomyoma, and follow-up was arranged post-discharge.

Cardiac tumors in children are relatively rare, mostly benign, and have a good prognosis. But for some emergency situations or heart tumors that cause adverse effects, timely and effective intervention is needed to avoid adverse consequences.