Cardiac tumours in intrauterine life.

Abstract

Since 1980, 11 examples of cardiac tumour have been detected in the fetus out ofa total of 794 congenital cardiac malformations. Patients were referred because of fetal hydrops in two, a family history oftuberous sclerosis in two, and because of the detection of a tumour mass during a scan at the local hospital in seven. The gestational age range at presentation was from 20-34 weeks. Of eight fetuses where death occurred, the histological type was rhabdomyoma in seven and teratoma in one. In seven cases, the lesion appeared single and in four there were multiple tumours. In two ofthe cases ofrhabdomyoma, other family members had evidence oftuberous sclerosis. Termination ofpregnancy took place in four cases; of seven continuing pregnancies, spontaneous intrauterine death occurred in four, and three children are still alive. Two of the three survivors has the clinical picture of tuberous sclerosis. The last case is as yet only 1 month old.In summary, even where the lesion is single, the most likely diagnosis in fetal cardiac tumour is rhabdomyoma, with associated tuberous sclerosis. However, the characteristic features of this latter condition may not become evident until some months after birth. examples of cardiac tumours in fetal life. We have studied the presentation, the type, and outcome of these cases.

Fetal pericardial teratoma causing cardiac insufficiency: prenatal diagnosis and therapy

“…Rhabdomyomas comprise most of the prenatally diagnosed tumors. Next in frequency are lymphangioma, teratoma and fibroma 1,2 . Because of their location, cardiac tumors may severely compromise blood flow and interfere with cardiac function, and may cause arrhythmias, stillbirth, or sudden death 3 .…”

Prenatal diagnosis of cerebral lesions and multiple intracardiac rhabdomyomas in a fetus with tuberous sclerosis.

“…The association of multiple fetal rhabdomyomas with tuberous sclerosis or BournevillePringle disease, which is characterized by seizures, mental retardation, and cutaneous lesions (adenoma sebaceum), in at least 50% is well established. [9][10][11] In as many as 80% of patients with tuberous sclerosis, intracardiac rhabdomyomas can be detected. 6,12 On the other hand, the association of a single cardiac rhabdomyoma with tuberous sclerosis is far less common.…”

Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of a fetal intracardiac mass

“…The most common type is rhabdomyoma 1 . Its typical appearance on ultrasound examination is of multiple hyperechogenic, well circumscribed, homogeneous masses in the ventricular wall or interventricular septum 2 .…”