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Metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma of the heart
D A Arzouman1, J Danetz, J H Newman
1University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, USA.
Insights
A rare case of mucinous adenocarcinoma metastasizing to the heart presented as neurological symptoms. This metastatic heart tumor mimicked a left atrial myxoma, a finding not previously reported in medical literature.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Neurology
Background:
- Metastatic disease to the heart is uncommon.
- Mucinous adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that can spread to various organs.
Observation:
- A patient presented with neurological deficits suggestive of an embolic cerebrovascular accident.
- Cardiac evaluation revealed a mass in the left atrium, initially suspected to be a myxoma.
Findings:
- The left atrial mass was diagnosed as metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma.
- This represents a unique presentation of cancer metastasis to the heart.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering metastatic disease in cardiac masses, even with atypical presentations.
- Underscores the need for thorough diagnostic workup in patients with unexplained neurological symptoms and cardiac findings.
- Contributes to the understanding of rare metastatic patterns in oncology.
Abstract:
A case of metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma to the heart is described. The patient presented with neurological symptoms consistent with an embolic cerebrovascular accident. Evaluation by the referring cardiologist at that time showed what appeared to be a left atrial myxoma. In a review of the English language medical literature, no other case of this nature was found.