Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 20, 2025

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Intravascular Germ Cell Tumor With Cardiac and Bilateral Pulmonary Artery Involvement
Camilo Andres Calderon-Miranda1, Maria Juliana Reyes-Cardona2, Gabriel Roberto Lopez-Mora3
1Departamento de Cardiología, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia.
Background:
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are neoplasms usually originating in the gonads, most often affecting young patients. Intravascular GCTs are exceptionally rare and potentially fatal due to cardiac and embolic complications.
Case Summary:
A 17-year-old patient presented with weight loss, abdominal pain, and dyspnea. Imaging revealed an intravascular mass extending from the inferior vena cava (IVC) into the right heart chambers and pulmonary arteries. The tumor was successfully removed via surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. Histopathologic diagnosis was a mixed non-seminomatous GCT. Recovery was uneventful, and follow-up imaging showed no intravascular lesions. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy was started with curative intent.
Discussion:
Intravascular GCT is a rare phenomenon, presenting mostly with retroperitoneal disease affecting the IVC. Cardiologists assess complications and interpret cardiovascular imaging. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for improving outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization

