Primary cardiac valve tumors

Tumors and tumor-like lesions of the heart valves

Valvular tumors and tumor-like lesions may have similar morphological and clinical characteristics, and may place the patients at a high risk of stroke in different ways. From January 2004 to June 2008, 11 patients underwent surgery for a suspected valvular tumor. Valvular tumor and tumor-like lesions accounted for 0.32% of adult cardiac operations. Five (45.5%) valvular lesions were papillary fibroelastomas, one (9.1%) was myxoma, 2 (18.2%) were organized thrombi, and 3 (27.3%) were calcification lesions. There was a total of 5 (45.5%) atrioventricular valve lesions, 4 arising from the atrial side of the leaflets, and one from the ventricular side. All 5 (45.5%) semilunar valvular lesions were from the aortic valve. One (9.1%) lesion originated from the chorda tendinea of the mitral valve. All leaflet lesions were resected by a simple shave technique, and all the patients recovered favorably. Valvular tumor and tumor-like lesions are rare. Pre-operative differential diagnoses among these valvular lesions pose important clinical implications for appropriate treatment for the underlying diseases. Prompt therapeutic measures in view of the underlying diseases of the valvular lesions are essential to prevent potential embolic events.

Asymptomatic papillary fibroelastoma of the aortic valve in a young woman - a case report

Echocardiography represents an invaluable diagnostic tool for the detection of intracardiac masses while simultaneously provides information about their size, location, mobility and attachment site as well as the presence and extent of any consequent hemodynamic derangement.

A 29-year-old asymptomatic young woman with incidental transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) discovery of an aortic valve mass is presented. The 2-dimensional TTE showed a mobile, pedunculated mass, attached by a thin stalk to the aortic surface of the right coronary aortic cusp at the junction of its base with the anterior aortic wall. The importance of valve sparing tumour resection even in asymptomatic patients is emphasised.

Multidetector CT and MR imaging of cardiac tumors

The purpose of this article is to provide a current review of the spectrum of multidetector CT (MDCT) and MRI findings for a variety of cardiac neoplasms. In the diagnosis of cardiac tumors, the use of MDCT and MRI can help differentiate benign from malignant masses. Especially, the use of MDCT is advantageous in providing anatomical information and MRI is useful for tissue characterization of cardiac masses. Knowledge of the characteristic MRI findings of benign cardiac tumors or thrombi can be helpful to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures. Presurgical assessment of malignant cardiac tumors with the use of MDCT and MRI may allow determination of the resectability of tumors and planning for the reconstruction of cardiac chambers.

[Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma, a rare valvular source of cerebral embolism: report of two cases]

Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas are very rare and benign tumors, usually involving heart valves. They are sometimes asymptomatic. However, they become serious illnesses when associated with clinical events, as systemic embolism. Diagnosis is evoked by echocardiography and confirmed by histopathological examination. The only curative treatment consists of the excision of the tumor under cardiopulmonary bypass. This approach is safe and prevents the risk of embolism recurrence. We report the cases of two patients suffering from acute cerebral embolism. Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography detected tumors of the mitral and aortic valve in the first and second patients, respectively. Preserving the valve integrity, both masses were surgically excised and pathological findings confirmed the diagnosis. As surgical management is curative, we believe that these lesions should be always removed.

Thrombus or tumor? a case of fibroelastoma as indicated during the submission process

We describe the case of a 50-year-old woman who was admitted to a pheriferal department for heart failure. The echocardiography revealed a small mass measuring about 1.3 x 1.0 cm adhering to the non-coronary cusp of the aortic valve, mild dilated cardiomiopathy and severe biventricular dysfunction. This mass had erroneously been considered a thrombotic lesion, so the patient was treated with thrombolysis and heparin e.v. Only after a transoesophageal echocardiography a tumour cardiac mass was suspected. The diagnosis of fibroelastoma was confirmed by MRI and then from the anatomic and histoligical definition after surgery.

Late diagnosis of multiple fibroelastomas in a 41-year-old woman with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation

A 39 year old woman with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with severe latent obstruction and mitral regurgitation, presented with symptoms of dyspnea and atrial fibrillation, and developed an acute embolic stroke. After thrombolysis and complete neurologic recovery, a transesophageal echo revealed six mobile densities, on her mitral and aortic valves, and in the outflow tract. Surgical resection of multiple fibroelastomas, with septal myectomy, aortic and mitral valve replacement, and pulmonary vein ablation, led to clinical improvement. The etiology and pathogenesis of fibroelastomas are unknown; we speculate that their formation may be promoted by endocardial injury from surgery, radiation therapy, or the high velocity turbulent flow of valve dysfunction or outflow tract obstruction.

Survival after resection of primary cardiac tumors: a 48-year experience

BACKGROUND

Primary cardiac tumors are rare but have the potential to cause significant morbidity if not treated in an appropriate and timely manner. To date, however, there have been no studies examining survival characteristics of patients who undergo surgical resection.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From 1957 to 2006, 323 consecutive patients underwent surgical resection of primary cardiac tumors; 163 (50%) with myxomas, 83 (26%) with papillary fibroelastomas, 18 (6%) with fibromas, 12 (4%) with lipomas, 28 (9%) with other benign primary cardiac tumors, and 19 (6%) with primary malignant tumors. Operative (30 day) mortality was 2% (n=6). Univariate analysis indicated that patients who underwent resection of fibromas and myxomas had superior survival characteristics in comparison to the remainder of tumor variants; these results were consistent after adjusting for age at surgery, year of surgery, and cardiovascular risk factors. Based on actuarial characteristics of the 2002 U.S. population, patients who underwent myxoma resection had survival characteristics that were not significantly different from that of an age and gender matched population (SMR 1.11, P=0.57) whereas those who underwent resection of fibromas (SMR 11.17, P=0.002), papillary fibroelastomas (SMR 3.17, P=0.0003), lipomas (SMR 5.0, P=0.0003), other benign tumors (SMR 4.63, P=0.003), and malignant tumors (SMR 101, P<0.0001) had significantly poorer survival characteristics. Furthermore, malignant tumors in younger patients were highly fatal (HR 0.899, P<0.0001). Although the most significant predictor of mortality was tumor histology, survival was also influenced the by the duration of CPB and NYHA III/IV; the impact of these risk factors varied with time. The cumulative incidence of myxoma recurrence was 13% and occurred in a younger population (42 versus 57 years, P=0.003) with the risk of recurrence decreased after 4 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection of primary cardiac tumors is associated with excellent long-term survival; patients with cardiac myxomas have survival characteristics that are not significantly different from that of a general population. Predictors of mortality are primarily related to tumor histology but also include clinical characteristics such as symptomatology and duration of CPB.

Cardiac Papillary Fibroelastoma: case report and review of the literature

Primary cardiac tumors are very rare. Cardiac Papillary Fibroelastoma (CPF) is the third most common primary tumor of the heart and most commonly affects cardiac valves. Those tumors appear like a "sea anemone" with multiple papillary fronds attached to the endocardium by a short stalk. It generally occurs as a single structure and is typically found on the atrial aspect of atrioventricular valves or either side of the semilunar valves. We report a case of aortic valve papillary fibroelastoma which was found on autopsy in a patient with normal coronary artery with evidence of myocardial and cerebral ischemic damage and sudden death.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma as a reason of transient ischemic attack for a young patient

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is a rare primary cardiac tumor. It occurs mainly in the endothelium of cardiac valves. Although cardiac papillary fibroelastomas are benign tumors, they have potential life threatening complications such as sudden death, stroke, and myocardial infarction. A young man who presented two syncope attacks referred to our hospital for cardiac examination. A mass was found attached to the anterior mitral leaflet, detected by transthoracic echocardiography. We planned an urgent surgery for the patient. During operation, we found out the cauliflower shaped mass on the atrial side of the anterior mitral leaflet. We excised the tumor completely without damage to the mitral valve. We confirmed the diagnosis histopathologically. Intracardiac tumors must be excised urgently due to severe complications. It's so important to protect native valve leaflets during the excision of papillary fibroelastoma with low rates of recurrence.

Papillary fibroelastoma of the mitral valve in an 8-month-old infant

Papillary fibroelastomas, the third most common primary cardiac tumor in adults, are extremely rare in children. These tumors grow slowly and are histologically benign but with high potential for life-threatening complications. We report an 8-month-old asymptomatic female infant with papillary fibroelastoma of the mitral valve, discovered by echocardiograph examination.

Incidental finding of a papillary fibroelastoma of the mitral valve chordae

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPF) is a rare neoplasm with predilection for heart valves, usually found incidentally on routine echocardiography. Most CPFs are asymptomatic; rarely, they are diagnosed because of cardiac symptoms or after an embolic event. This report describes the case of a 69-year-old woman with the incidental finding of a mass attached to the anterior mitral valve chordae. Owing to the risk of embolic complications, surgery was emergently performed with complete resection of the mass and preservation of the mitral valve. Histological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of CPF.

"Perilous pearl"--papillary fibroelastoma of aortic valve: a case report and literature review

Papillary fibroelastomas of the heart valves are benign, slow-growing, rare tumors of the heart. These lesions are primarily responsible for embolic events that can clinically manifest with neurological and cardiovascular symptoms. Early diagnosis is very important, as surgical excision of these tumors can prevent cerebrovascular and cardiovascular complications. The case of a 60-year-old man who presented with a neurological deficit caused by a papillary fibroelastoma of the noncoronary cusp of the aortic valve is described. Diagnosis was made by transesophageal echocardiogram, and the tumor was resected surgically.

Thrombus entrapped in tricuspid chordae masquerading as tumour

We report on a 55-year-old man with effort dyspnoea that transesophageal echocardiography disclosed was due to a mass originating from the chorda of the tricuspid valve. Histological examination revealed the mass to be an organized thrombus without tumour components. This case illustrates the unusual presentation of a thrombus confined to the tricuspid chordae mimicking a chordae tumour.

Nonsurgical management of a left ventricular pedunculated papillary fibroelastoma: a case report

Papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is a benign cardiac tumor that has the potential to cause life-threatening embolic events. Surgical excision of the tumor is recommended for all patients who develop symptoms, but the treatment of asymptomatic patients with an echocardiographically identified PFE is still controversial. Our case report describes a 63-year-old patient with the incidental finding of a probable left ventricular PFE. The patient was not a candidate for surgical excision of this tumor because of comorbidities and refusal to undergo surgery. The patient was followed up during a period of 4 years and was kept on anticoagulation with warfarin. During this follow-up period, the patient developed no symptoms or complications attributable to the cardiac tumor. This is the first case reported in the literature with left ventricular mobile PFE conservatively managed for a duration of more than 4 years. Randomized controlled trials regarding the best management for such incidental PFEs may be needed.

Aortic Valve Lipoma

Cardiac lipoma (especially on the aortic valve) is extremely rare. We report a patient suffering from shortness of breath, chest pain, and recent presyncopal episodes who was found to have a mass on the aortic valve with mild aortic regurgitation. The patient had an uneventful aortic valve replacement.

Cardiac Papillary Fibroelastoma Presenting with Recurrent Ventricular Tachycardia

A 72-year-old man presented with multiple episodes of pulseless ventricular tachycardia, 10 days following an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. He had a 6-year cardiovascular history that included four neurological events and two myocardial infarctions. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed two mobile masses on the aortic valve. A transaortic surgical approach was successful in removing both masses. Histology confirmed papillary fibroelastoma. The patient subsequently received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Lipoma of the aortic valve in a patient with acute myocardial infarction

We hereby report the first--to the best of our knowledge--case of primary lipoma of the aortic valve. The tumor has been diagnosed by echocardiography supported by magnetic resonance imaging in a 63-year-old man with acute inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and one-vessel coronary artery disease. Five weeks from the onset of STEMI, direct implantation of a bare metal stent into the right coronary artery was successfully undertaken and 6 weeks later aortic valve with an encapsulated mass was excised with subsequent artificial valve implantation. Histological examination revealed typical features of lipoma. Three months after the operation the patient was asymptomatic and exhibited a good function of the artificial valve.

Cardiac Valve Papillary Fibroelastoma: Surgical Excision for Revealed or Potential Embolization

Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas (CPF) are benign endocardial papillomas commonly formed from valve endothelium. The majority of tumors are found on the left side of the heart, with only a few case reports of pulmonary valve fibroelastomas. We report here a case of pulmonary valve papillary fibroelastoma that was successfully managed with simple excision of the mass.

Multiple papillary fibroelastomas of the aortic valve: case report

Papillary fibroelastoma is the third most common primary tumor of the heart and most commonly involve the cardiac valves. Most papillary fibroelastomas do not cause symptoms and they are usually incidental findings by routine echocardiography or at autopsy. However, multiple papillary fibroelastomas are extremely rare. We report a case with papillary fibroelastoma which was incidentally found on echocardiography. Upon surgery, a tumor was found on each aortic cusp. Pathological findings of these tumors were consistent with those of papillary fibroelastoma.

Papillary fibroelastoma as an accidental finding in a multislice computed tomography of coronary arteries

Papillary fibroelastomas represent less than 10% of all primary cardiac tumours. They are usually incidental autopsy or surgical findings, or detected during echocardiography or catheterization. The case of a 58-year-old man with typical exertional chest pain hospitalized for an elective multislice computed tomography (MSCT) scan of the coronary arteries is described. The MSCT scan showed a pathological, mobile lesion within the aorta lumen only, not obstructing the ostia of the coronary arteries, and was confirmed by echocardiography. The typical features of the tumour in the MSCT scan and on echocardiography were the basis for the diagnosis of papillary fibroelastomas in the patient. Surgical excision was proposed, but the patient declined.

Surgical treatment of cardiac papillary fibroelastoma: a single center experience with eighty-eight patients

BACKGROUND

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is a rare benign tumor that can cause thromboembolism. We have found no large surgical series describing its treatment and outcome.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients treated surgically for this tumor from 1985 to 2002.

RESULTS

There were 88 patients with a mean age of 62 +/- 16 years. Sixty-two (71%) were male. Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma was a primary indication for surgery in 47 (group 1, 53%) and an incidental finding in 41 (group 2, 47%). The common clinical symptoms were neurologic (group 1) and cardiac (group 2). Cardiac valves were predominantly involved (77%); the aortic valve was the most affected (52%). Other common sites were the left ventricular outflow tract (18%) and anterior mitral leaflet (11%). All heart valves were involved in one patient. Seventy-three patients (83%) had shave excision and 8 (9%) excision with valve repair. Of 5 (6%) valve replacements, 2 were for concurrent degenerative valve disease. Concomitant procedures included repair or replacement of another valve (32%), CABG (28%), and septal myectomy (19%). Surgical mortality occurred in 1 patient (2.1%) in group 1 who had concomitant lung resection for bronchiolitis obliterans. There was no tumor recurrence, and no tumor-related late morbidity or mortality at a mean follow-up of 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma has a propensity to affect the anatomically contiguous structures of the aortic valve, left ventricular outflow tract, and anterior mitral leaflet. Surgical treatment by simple shave excision is low risk and can achieve good results.

Aortic Valve Myxoma Mimicking Vegetation: Report of a Case

We report a case of cardiac myxoma of the aortic valve. To our knowledge, this represents only the seventh such case ever documented. A 61-year-old woman underwent an echocardiography to screen for hypertensive-diabetic cardiac complications, which showed a mass on her aortic valve. Although she had not experienced a fever, the mass closely resembled a vegetation, resulting in an initial diagnosis of infective endocarditis. We extirpated the mass and repaired the aortic valve with the patient under cardiopulmonary bypass. The postoperative course was uneventful. Histological examination confirmed that the mass was a myxoma.

Mitral valve papillary fibroelastoma: surgical considerations

Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas are uncommon primary cardiac tumors. Due to their infrequent occurrence, an appropriate management strategy has been difficult to define. We report a 51-year-old female with a papillary fibroelastoma of the mitral valve diagnosed during a source of embolism evaluation, where the association between symptoms and the tumor were equivocal. The mitral valve papillary fibroelastoma was electively surgically excised, based on the proposed guidelines that allow for identification of patients at greatest risk of embolic events. We review the evaluation and selection of those patients who might benefit from surgical therapy even in the absence of symptoms.

Papillary fibroelastoma of the right atrium as an unusual source of recurrent pulmonary embolism

Papillary fibroelastoma is the most common primary tumour of cardiac valves, with the potential for embolic events and obstructive effects. Location in non-valvular endocardium is extremely rare. Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography have greatly increased the ability to make the diagnosis of these surgically treatable tumours in a timely fashion. We report the case of a 70-year-old woman with symptoms and ventilation-perfusion scan evidence of pulmonary embolization from a papillary fibroelastoma of the right atrium. Initial transthoracic echocardiography failed to identify the tumour, whereas transoesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a mobile echodense mass attached to the right atrial free wall. After surgical excision, histopathology revealed papillary fibroelastoma. The epidemiology, aetiology, localization, macroscopy, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of cardiac papillary fibroelastoma are reviewed. The case is unusual with respect to the site of origin of the papillary fibroelastoma as well as its clinical presentation, which is clearly related to pulmonary embolization.

Papillary fibroelastoma of the pulmonary valve

There is a lack of information regarding the diagnosis and management of papillary fibroelastoma of the pulmonary valve due to the rarity of the tumour at this location. A case of pulmonary valve papillary fibroelastoma in a 60-year-old woman is reported and the approach for diagnosis and management is described.

Aortic valve repair for papillary fibroelastoma

We report the case of aortic valve-papillary fibroelastoma in a 66-year-old Belgian woman with a previous single episode of cerebral transient ischemic attack. Transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography revealed a small mass adherent to the noncoronary cusp of the valve, which was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography. Indication for surgery was performed because of a previous cerebral transient ischemic attack and for its potential risk of cerebral and coronary embolization. Surgical excision of the mass was performed with the need for glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardial patch repair of the aortic cusp. Intraoperative and postoperative transesophageal echocardiography both showed the valve to be competent. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. After a review of the literature, we conclude that, even if asymptomatic, and independent of their size, aortic valve papillary fibroelastomas justify surgical excision for their potential to systemic embolization. Moreover, we believe that a valve-sparing approach might be feasible with no recurrence after complete excision.

Incidental in vivo detection of an isolated hemangioma of the aortic valve in a man with a history of renal transplantation

Hemangiomas of the cardiac valves are exceptional. To our knowledge, only ten cases of valve hemangiomas, six in the mitral and four in the tricuspid valve, have been reported in the English literature. We describe an incidentally detected aortic valve hemangioma of a 62-year-old man with chronic, degenerative aortic valve stenosis, who underwent renal transplantation 7 years before. We believe that this is the first report of a hemangioma in this localization and the first one in association with solid organ transplantation. The review of the literature of the adult cases of valve hemangioma, including this report, revealed that the average age was 47.2 years (range, 24 to 68 years). No clear sex predominance has been noted. Patients can be asymptomatic or experience sudden death. Symptomatic patients have complaints of palpitations, dyspnea, or syncopal episodes. Histologically, these valve tumors are classified as capillary, cavernous, and mixed. Mean tumor size is 1.1 cm (range, 0.6 to 2 cm). In 50% of cases the hemangioma is an incidental finding at autopsy or in a removed valve. Valve aortic hemangioma, despite its rarity, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of vascular lesions of this cardiac valve.

MR imaging of cardiac tumors

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is an important tool in the evaluation of cardiac neoplasms. T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and gadolinium-enhanced sequences are used for anatomic definition and tissue characterization, whereas cine gradient-echo imaging is used to assess functional effects. Recent improvements in pulse sequences for cardiac MR imaging have led to superior image quality, with reduced motion artifact and improved signal-to-noise ratio and tissue contrast. Although there is some overlap in the MR imaging appearances of cardiac tumors, particularly of primary malignancies, differences in characteristic locations and features should allow confident differentiation between benign and malignant tumors. Indicators of malignancy at MR imaging are invasive behavior, involvement of the right side of the heart or the pericardium, tissue inhomogeneity, diameter greater than 5 cm, and enhancement after administration of gadolinium contrast material (as a result of higher tissue vascularity). Concomitant pericardial or pleural effusions are rare in benign processes but occur in about 50% of cases of malignant tumors. MR imaging offers improved resolution, a larger field of view, and superior soft-tissue contrast compared with those of echocardiography, suggesting that knowledge of the MR imaging features of cardiac neoplasms is important for accurate diagnosis and management.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma presents as an acute embolic stroke in a 35-year-old African American male

This is an interesting case of a young patient suffering an acute embolic stroke in the middle cerebral artery distribution, who was later found to have a papillary fibroelastoma on the mitral valve. The mass was first recognized by transesophageal echocardiography and eventually resected surgically. The retrieved specimen had classic histologic findings of a papillary fibroelastoma. A thrombus was noted on the tip of the specimen, supporting the theory that these masses are risks for strokes secondary to damage along the endothelial lining predisposing to subsequent fibrin deposition and mural thrombus formation.

Asymptomatic cardiac papillary fibroelastoma: diagnostic assessment and therapy

Papillary fibroelastoma is a rare benign cardiac tumor with elevated risk for embolization. This report describes the case of a 65-year-old man, admitted for the occasional finding of a round, pedunculate mass adherent to the chordae of the anterior mitral valve leaflet, mimicking an endocarditic mass. Appropriate diagnostic evaluations lead to the suspect of a papillary fibroelastoma. Because of the elevated risk of thromboembolism, surgery was emergently performed with complete removal of the mass and preservation of the integrity of the mitral valve. Histologic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis. Papillary fibroelastoma should be always considered in the differential diagnosis of intracardiac masses.

Papillary fibroelastoma, a rare but potentially treatable cause of embolic stroke: report of three cases

Papillary fibroelastomas are rare benign tumours that are seldom diagnosed during life. We report three cases of this tumour; two patients had recurrent embolic events, and one was diagnosed incidentally. Although rare, these tumours are a potentially treatable cause of cardiac emboli. Prompt identification allows excision, which generally is curative.

Incidental in vivo detection of an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the mitral valve

Valvular epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas (EHE) are exceptional. To the authors' knowledge only four cases have been reported. Herein is described an EHE incidentally detected in the mitral valve of a 69-year-old woman with chronic rheumatic valvular heart disease. The 0.4 cm lesion was situated in the anterior leaflet and was discovered in the pathological study after mitral valve replacement. The patient was alive and well 6 months after operation. Review of the literature including the present report, revealed that the mean age was 60.2 years (range, 49-69 years). Symptomatic patients had clinical features of valvular disease or embolism. Each of the four cardiac valves can be affected. Mean tumor size was 2.4 cm (range, 0.4-8 cm). In 40% of cases the EHE was an incidental finding at autopsy or in a removed valve. In two cases the involved cusp was affected by chronic rheumatic disease. In conclusion, EHE is a rare lesion that can be an incidental finding and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of valve tumors. Although EHE can present a histologically benign appearance, the correct pathological diagnosis is clinically important because the lesion can be potentially malignant. Regular follow up is suggested due to this potential.

Aortic valve lipomatous hamartoma in a young woman

We present a rare case of lipomatous hamartoma of the aortic valve. A 17-year-old woman was admitted with cardiac murmur. Echocardiography demonstrated severe aortic regurgitation and a highly echoic mass on the right cusp of the aortic valve. Surgery was performed with a differential diagnosis of chronic infective endocarditis or aortic valve tumor. At operation, a yellowish bead-shaped tumor was detected on the right cusp of the aortic valve, and aortic valve replacement was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed a lipomatous hamartoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a lipomatous hamartoma located on the aortic valve.

CT and MR imaging findings of malignant cardiac tumors

This article reviews CT and MRI features of malignant cardiac and pericardial tumors, most of which originate from the lung, breast, melanoma, leukemia, or lymphoma through lymphatic, hematogenous, transvenous, and direct pathways. Although echocardiography establishes the diagnosis in most cases, CT and MRI provide additional physical, spatial, and functional information that further aids the evaluation of metastases. For instance, CT provides superior resolution for detecting calcification or fat, while MRI with its direct multiplanar ability more completely characterizes the heart, pericardium, mediastinum, and lungs. MRI also helps elucidate the pathophysiological effects of these tumors on cardiac function through gated cine-loop sequences. Beyond tumor characterization, both modalities can help confirm diagnosis through the addition of contrast, which helps distinguish tumor from myocardium, thrombus, and blood flow artifact. Ultimately, MRI best facilitates surgical planning and posttreatment follow-up in large part because of its unparalleled ability to locate and delimit these tumors.

Hemangioma of the tricuspid valve: a report of two cases with review of literature

We describe two cases of hemangioma affecting the tricuspid valve (TV). One patient was a 47-year-old male who presented with recurrent episodes of dyspnea on exertion for 5 years. Echocardiography revealed an echo dense 1 x 1 cm mass attached to the chordae tendineae of the TV. Surgical excision was done and histopathology of the lesion showed features of hemangioma. The other case was a 1-day-old neonate with complex congenital abnormalities in whom multiple small hemangiomas affecting the TV were incidentally detected at autopsy.

Primary cardiac valve tumors: early and late results of surgical treatment in 10 patients

BACKGROUND

Our goal was to study the clinical characteristics of primary valve tumors and the late surgical results of their resection.

METHODS

We reviewed our clinical experience with the surgical treatment of ten primary valve tumors at Fu Wai Hospital over the past 19 years. During that time, cardiac valve tumors accounted for 2.65% of all primary cardiac tumors at our hospital, and the incidence of primary valve tumors was roughly one in 4,000 cardiac operations. There were 5 male and 5 female patients aged 2 to 66 years (mean age, 30.1 years). The clinical presentation included exertional dyspnea in 7 patients, neurological symptoms in 2, and cyanosis at rest in 1 patient. The diagnosis was established by preoperative echocardiography in 8 patients, and in the other 2, it was confirmed by the findings at operation. All of the tumors were resected. Eight of the ten tumors were benign, and two were malignant.

RESULTS

All patients survived the operation and recovered uneventfully. Late outcomes were known for all patients. There were three late deaths. One patient with a benign tricuspid valve tumor died 2 months postoperatively of an electrolyte disorder. The other 2 patients with a malignant mitral valve tumor died within 1 year postoperatively. The 7 survivors, all with a benign valve tumor, were followed for an average of 5.7 years (range, 8 months to 19 years), and all were in functional class I. Exercise tolerance improved to normal levels. The latest follow-up echocardiograms showed no evidence of local recurrence in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Excellent early and late surgical results can be obtained in patients with benign valve tumors. The prognosis for patients with a malignant valve tumor is poor.