Infective endocarditis masquerading as a cardiac tumour in a preterm neonate

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Cardiology
• Pediatric Oncology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Cardiac masses in neonates are uncommon, typically benign tumors like rhabdomyomas.
• Infective endocarditis can present as intracardiac masses, posing a diagnostic challenge, especially in preterm infants with a history of invasive procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of a preterm neonate with an intracardiac mass.
• To discuss the differential diagnosis of neonatal cardiac masses, including infectious etiologies.
• To emphasize the importance of diagnostic imaging and histopathology.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a preterm neonate.
• Surgical excision of the intracardiac mass.
• Histopathological examination of the excised mass.

Main Results:

• The intracardiac mass was successfully excised.
• Histopathology confirmed the nature of the mass, guiding further management.
• The neonate recovered following the intervention.

Conclusions:

• Infective endocarditis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonatal cardiac masses.
• Early echocardiography screening is crucial for detecting intracardiac masses.
• Histopathological confirmation is the gold standard for definitive diagnosis and management of neonatal cardiac masses.