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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
14:58
Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Approach to Management of Cardiac Calcified Amorphous Tumor
Parker Wilson1, Priyamvada Pillai2, Jacob Reiss3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
The American Journal of Cardiology
|May 16, 2025
Summary
A rare calcified amorphous tumor (CAT) caused vision loss by obstructing a retinal artery. Surgical removal confirmed the diagnosis, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary care in managing this uncommon cardiac mass.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Ophthalmology
- Pathology
Background:
- A 76-year-old female presented with vision loss.
- Medical history included hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of vision loss due to a cardiac mass.
- To discuss the diagnosis and management of calcified amorphous tumors (CATs).
Main Methods:
- Ophthalmologic evaluation revealed retinal artery occlusion.
- Echocardiography identified a mobile echodensity on the mitral valve.
- Surgical excision and histopathological analysis confirmed CAT.
Main Results:
- Retinal artery branch occlusion was caused by a mobile cardiac mass.
- The mass was diagnosed as a calcified amorphous tumor (CAT).
- Surgical excision was performed for diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusions:
- Calcified amorphous tumors can cause embolic events, including vision loss.
- There is clinical equipoise regarding optimal treatment strategies for CATs.
- A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for individualized treatment planning.
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