Surgery for Primary Cardiac Tumors in Children: Successful Management of Large Fibromas

Case Report: Surgical resection of giant ventricular fibroma in an infant utilizing 3D imaging guidance

Primary cardiac tumors are extremely rare, with fibromas being one of the more prevalent type primary cardiac tumors in infants and children. Cardiac fibromas present a high risk of fatal arrhythmia and sudden death, hence more aggressive surgical treatment approaches are typically employed. However, certain populations, such as asymptomatic infants and young children in the early stages, require extra caution. We present the case of a patient with a giant fibroma of the heart detected during fetal development, who was followed up until the age of 5 months before undergoing surgical resection. Prior to surgery, we employed three-dimensional (3D) imaging technology to acquire a deeper understanding of the anatomical nature of cardiac tumors. We then devised a comprehensive surgical strategy to minimize the risk of damage to large blood vessels during surgery and maximize preservation of myocardial tissue. Following surgical resection of the tumor, cardiac dysfunction was managed with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) continuous adjuvant therapy, and conventional vasodilators such as dopamine and nitroglycerin were ad. The patient recovered well without any serious complications. This case highlights the significance of timely surgical intervention, combined with 3D imaging to develop a meticulous surgical plan and early use of ECMO to maintain cardiac function in patients with postoperative cardiac dysfunction. This can help to ensure the safety and effectiveness of giant cardiac fibromas resection in infants and young children.

Surgical debulking of large ventricular fibromas in children

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to provide an update on the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, operative strategies, and midterm outcomes in children undergoing ventricular fibroma resection.

METHODS

Single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing ventricular fibroma resection between 2000 and 2023.

RESULTS

Among 52 patients, median age at surgery was 2.0 years (interquartile range, 0.8-4.6) and median tumor volume index was 69 mL/m2 (interquartile range, 49-169). Tumor distorted the atrioventricular valve/subvalvar apparatus in 30 patients (58%) and abutted major epicardial coronary arteries in 41 patients (79%). Surgery was indicated for arrythmia (n = 45, 86%), symptoms (n = 14, 27%), or hemodynamic compromise (n = 11, 21%). Tumor was debulked in 34 patients (65%), including the last 21 patients. Concomitant atrioventricular valvuloplasty was performed in 18 patients and ventricular cavity closure in 15 patients (29%). During a median follow-up of 2.4 years (interquartile range, 0.8-6.2), there was no mortality, cardiac arrests, heart transplants, or single ventricle palliation. The 15-year risk of reoperation and clinical ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation was 6.7% (95% CI, 0-14.3) and 2.4% (95% CI, 0-7.2), respectively. On latest imaging, pre- and postdebulking left ventricular ejection fraction did not significantly differ (P = .069), whereas no patients had signs of outflow tract obstruction, inflow tract obstruction, or moderate or greater atrioventricular valve regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Large ventricular fibromas can be resected safely with appropriate surgical planning and an emphasis on debulking. Most children maintain left ventricular function and remain free of recurrent ventricular arrhythmias at follow-up. Extended follow-up is warranted to understand whether patients remain at risk for scar-based ventricular arrhythmias in the future.

Right Ventricular Myxoma Involving the Chordae Tendineae: A Case Report and Literature Review

This case report describes a rare instance of massive right ventricular myxoma (RVM). A 36-year-old woman initially presented with progressive breathlessness and chest heaviness. Imaging revealed a large mass in the mediastinum, which was initially thought to be a pericardial cyst, and it was unclear whether the mass was intracardiac or extracardiac. Extensive investigations and multiple discussions concluded that the mass was a right ventricular mass. Intraoperatively, the mass was confirmed to be in the right ventricle (RV), with involvement of the chordae tendineae and an extremely thinned-out right ventricular free wall. Surgical excision of the tumour from the RV, tricuspid valve repair, and plication of the free wall were performed, leading to significant symptomatic relief. The mass was identified as a myxoma through histological diagnosis. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and management strategies for RVM.

Current status of diagnosis and treatment of primary benign cardiac tumors in children

Primary cardiac tumors in children are exceedingly rare overall, which benign account for most part. The onset of the disease is occult, while the clinical manifestations are non-specific-patients may be asymptomatic or show a range of obstructive, arrhythmic, embolic or systemic symptoms. The clinical presentations generally depend on the tumors’ size, localization, and pace of growth of the tumor. Moreover, the diagnosis needs comprehensive judgment based on imaging results and pathological examination. With advances in cardiac imagining and the introduction of cardiopulmonary support, the diagnosis and treatment of these rare tumors have improved the prognosis and outlook for benign tumors. To sum up the above, we sought to integrate articles from recent years for the latest comprehensive review of the clinical manifestations, imaging characteristics, clinic pathologic features and treatment of benign cardiac tumors in children to provide a broader idea for pediatricians to recognize and treat such diseases.

Differential diagnosis of cardiac tumors: General consideration and echocardiographic approach

Cardiac tumors may be primary (either benign or malignant) or secondary (malignant) and are first detected by echocardiography in most cases. The cardiologist often challenges their identification, the differential diagnosis and the best therapeutic approach. Malignant tumors have usually a poor prognosis, which may be significantly improved by appropriate and timely therapies. The echocardiographic aspects of benign and malignant cardiac tumors described in this article, along with a clinical evaluation may orient the differential diagnosis and aid in choosing the further steps useful to define the nature of the mass.