Primary Cardiac Rhabdomyosarcoma of the Right Atrium: Case Report

Abstract

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor of the heart that accounts for 20% of all primary malignant neoplasms of the heart. Symptoms vary in accordance with the location of the mass; unfortunately, by the time the patient becomes symptomatic, the tumor has already metastasized to other organs. Diagnosis is frequently obtained via transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Surgery is indicated for malignant cardiac neoplasms to relieve cardiac symptoms and to prolong patient survival. Subsequent postoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy is necessary, and the long-term prognosis is poor. We present a case of a primary cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma that arose from the lateral wall of the right atrium and required implantation of a permanent cardiac pacemaker after surgery.

Giant primary cardiac alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma of the right atrium

“…Primary cardiac alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is extremely rare 1 . Despite the poor prognosis of cardiac alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, surgical resection is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and improve symptoms 2 . Adjuvant therapy after surgery can improve outcomes.…”

Echocardiographic Evaluation of the Right Heart

“… 67) Rhabdomyosarcomas are rare tumors. 71) They appear as distinct, highly echogenic, and well-demarcated masses that often extend into the cavity of the ventricle. 67) Malignant tumors of the right heart occur with less frequency and include angiosarcomas which are the commonest primary malignant tumor and rhabdomyosarcomas.…”

A Case of Primary Cardiac Rhabdomyosarcoma with Surgical Removal and Mitral Valve Repair

“…Rhabdomyosarcomas constitute 21% of the primary neoplasms of the heart and are the second most common primary neoplasm in adults [Vander Salm 2000]. These tumors usually arise from the ventricular [Schmaltz 1981] and atrial [Sokullu 2008] walls. Cardiac rhabdomyosarcomas are often asymptomatic until disease is advanced, and even then they produce nonspecific symptoms (eg, dyspnea, chest pain, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias) that inevitably require surgical resection.…”