Spindle-cell sarcoma of the heart: A case report of a rare cause of cardiac mass

Abstract

Spindle cell sarcoma of heart are the least reported primary cardiac tumours. We present a case of a 60-year-old man reported to us following successful resuscitation after cardiac arrest. This patient presented with symptoms of dyspnoea on exertion. The echocardiography showed features of cardiac tamponade. CT scan chest+ Abdomen + Pelvis confirmed echocardiography findings, and showed significant pericardial effusion with early cardiac tamponade. Patient continued to suffer dyspnoea even after pericardiocentesis and was unstable in the intensive care unit, hence he was shifted to operating room for re-exploration. The mass was excised in a piecemeal without instituting cardiopulmonary bypass. The total weight of the mass was approximately 500gms. The macroscopic examination of the specimen revealed a cystic mass with solid grey brown tissue. Following surgical debulking, chest X -ray in Intensive Care Unit showed improvement. The patient visited the outpatient clinic after 15 days of surgery. 2-D echocardiography revealed minimal pericardial effusion and patient was comfortable.