Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 8, 2025

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension and Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in the Piglet
Published on: November 4, 2015
Left Atrial Metastasis Emerging From the Right Inferior Pulmonary Vein in Gestational Choriocarcinoma
José Antonio Parada-Barcia1, Juan Diego Sánchez-Vega1, Felipe Cárdenas-Núñez1
1Cardiology Department, University Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, Vigo, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Galicia Sur, Vigo, Spain.
Background:
Cardiac metastases from choriocarcinoma are exceptionally rare, with only 11 cases reported in the literature to date.
Case Summary:
Here we present the case of a 37-year-old woman with progressively worsening exercise intolerance, chest pain, and occasional hemoptysis after childbirth. Initial chest computed tomography revealed a pulmonary mass and a left atrial mass extending from the right inferior pulmonary vein. Blood test results raised suspicion of a gestational choriocarcinoma. The patient is responding to chemotherapy and is currently asymptomatic.
Discussion:
Most previously reported cases were diagnosed postmortem, emphasizing the diagnostic challenges of this condition and the rarity of our case.
Take-Home Message:
Choriocarcinoma should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis for intracavitary cardiac masses in young women, especially when involving the left atrium.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

