[Cardiac Cavernous Hemangioma in the Right Atrium:Report of a Case]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Cardiac hemangiomas are rare benign tumors, with cavernous hemangioma being the most common type.
• While often asymptomatic, cardiac hemangiomas pose risks of serious complications including embolism, arrhythmia, and sudden death, necessitating consideration for surgical resection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of incidentally discovered cardiac hemangioma in a patient undergoing follow-up for breast cancer.
• To highlight the diagnostic features and successful surgical management of a cavernous hemangioma.

Main Methods:

• Incidental finding of a cardiac tumor via imaging studies during breast cancer follow-up.
• Transthoracic echocardiography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) for characterization.
• Surgical resection and histopathological examination for definitive diagnosis.

Main Results:

• A 12x16 mm, poorly mobile, highly echogenic mass with clear margins was identified in the right atrium.
• CT showed a round tumor with no obvious enhancement, atypical for typical contrast-enhanced cardiac hemangiomas.
• Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac hemangiomas, even those without contrast enhancement on CT, can be successfully diagnosed and treated surgically.
• Prompt surgical intervention for symptomatic or high-risk cardiac hemangiomas is crucial for preventing severe complications.