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Intracardiac mass as the initial manifestation of metastatic germ cell tumor
M Stein1, S Reisner, J Lachter
1Northern Israel Oncology Center, Rambam Medical Center and Technion, Haifa.
Insights
Cardiac metastases are a rare initial sign of germ cell tumors. This case highlights embryonal cell carcinoma presenting as an intraatrial mass, a unique manifestation of disseminated disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Germ cell tumors (GCTs) rarely metastasize to the heart.
- Hematogenous spread is the typical route for GCT dissemination, commonly affecting the lungs, liver, and central nervous system.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old male presented with symptoms indicative of cardiac involvement.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed an intraatrial mass.
Findings:
- The intraatrial mass was confirmed as a metastatic lesion from an embryonal cell carcinoma.
- This represented the initial clinical manifestation of disseminated germ cell tumor.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of GCT metastasis presentation.
- Highlights the importance of considering rare metastatic sites in the differential diagnosis of cardiac masses.
- Underscores the need for comprehensive staging in GCT patients, even with seemingly localized primary tumors.
Abstract:
Cardiac metastases as initial presentation of disseminated germ cell tumors have rarely been reported. The hematogenous route is believed to be the most common pattern of dissemination by germ cell tumour, mainly to the lung, central nervous system and liver. We report a 33-year-old patient with embryonal cell carcinoma who presented with an intraatrial metastatic mass as the initial manifestation of metastatic disease.