Cardiac Angiosarcoma of the Right Atrium with Cardiac Tamponade

Abstract

Aims: We report a case of cardiac sarcoma, which showed cardiac tamponade as the first clinical symptom and sign. Accumulation of such cases could lead to better treatment for patients with cardiac angiosarcoma. Presentation of Case: A 56-year-old man presented with loss of consciousness. An echocardiogram showed cardiac tamponade, requiring an emergent exploration of the pericardium. We confirmed that the tumor originated in the right atrium and advanced to the right ventricle beyond the right coronary artery. A thickened right atrium with a small hole was resected, followed by reconstruction of the right atrium using a large patch of autologous pericardium. Cardiac angiosarcoma was pathologically identified. The patient died of multiple lung metastases 6 months after the operation, despite subsequent radiation therapy. Discussion and Conclusion: Cardiac angiosarcoma shows extremely aggressive growth, as observed in our case. More clinical reports with cardiac angiosarcoma could aid in improving diagnostic and treatment modalities.