[Primary pericardial angiosarcoma with multiple lung and a solitary liver metastases: the clinical and anatomicopathological findings]
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J A Ortiz de Murúa1, M C Avila, F del Campo
1Sección de Cardiología, Hospital Virgen de la Concha, Zamora.
Insights
A rare case of pericardial angiosarcoma presented as cardiac tamponade and pseudonodular pulmonary infiltrates. Despite initial non-neoplastic cytology, autopsy revealed widespread metastases, highlighting diagnostic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Oncology
- Thoracic Imaging
Background:
- Cardiac tamponade is a critical condition often requiring urgent intervention.
- Pulmonary infiltrates can indicate diverse pathologies, necessitating accurate diagnosis.
- Pericardial tumors are uncommon but can present with significant clinical manifestations.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old woman presented with cardiac tamponade and bilateral, confluent, pseudonodular pulmonary infiltrates.
- Pericardiocentesis yielded hemorrhagic fluid, with cytology negative for neoplastic cells.
- The patient's condition deteriorated, leading to death.
Findings:
- Necropsy confirmed primary angiosarcoma of the pericardium.
- Metastatic disease was identified in the lungs and liver.
- The pseudonodular infiltrates represented pulmonary metastases.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for pericardial angiosarcoma to mimic other conditions, posing diagnostic challenges.
- Early recognition and accurate staging are crucial for managing this aggressive malignancy.
- The autopsy findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive evaluation in unexplained cardiac and pulmonary symptoms.
Abstract:
A case of 66-year-old woman with cardiac tamponade and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates is reported. These infiltrates were "pseudonodulars" and confluent. We practice pericardiocentesis and a hemorrhagic fluid is pulled out. Its cytology shown not neoplastic cells. She died and the necropsy shown an angiosarcoma of pericardium with multiple pulmonary and alone hepatic metastases.