Calcified Amorphous Tumor Causing Shower Embolism to the Brain: A Case Report with Serial Echocardiographic and Neuroradiologic Images and a Review of the Literature

A Rare Beast: Cardiac Calcified Amorphous Tumor

“… 10 Cardiac CAT has been found in various intracardiac locations, including the mitral valve (32%), right atrium (14%), right ventricle (16%), tricuspid valve (5%), left atrium (11%), and left ventricle (22%). 1 , 3 , 8 The cardiac CAT in our case is unique because of its location in the left ventricle, as most have been found on the mitral valve and annulus. The proximity of the mass to the mitral subvalvular apparatus is an important consideration in surgical planning in order to avoid injury to papillary muscles and chordae.…”

“…Limited data suggest female predominance (approximately 68%) and a wide age range (16–82 years), with a mean age of 55 years. 2 , 8 In addition, cardiac CAT has been associated with hypertension (16%), valvular heart disease (31%), end-stage renal disease (25%), diabetes (23%), and coronary artery disease (18%). 3 , 8 …”

“… 1 , 11 , 12 In a recent case report, cardiac CAT was associated with multiple small cerebral and cerebellar infarctions. 8 …”

Calcified amorphous tumor presenting with rapid growth in the ascending aorta

“…The best treatment strategy is controversial. However, there were several reports showing embolism from CAT 5,6 , so resecting the tumor as soon as possible is thought to be justified.…”

A Cardiac Calcified Amorphous Tumor Associated with End-stage Renal Disease: An Emerging Disease Concept

“…The following aspects can be helpful in differentiating MAC-related CAT from vegetation ( 4 ): 1) continuity with the MAC, 2) a lack of association with the valve leaflets or regurgitation jet, and 3) revolving movement among the left atrial and ventricular cavities. Some recent reports have demonstrated that cardiac CAT has the potential to cause embolic events ( 9 - 11 ). Excision should thus be considered whenever a highly mobile CAT is found.…”