Primary undifferentiated pleomorphic cardiac sarcoma presenting as right heart failure

Abstract

Summary: Right-sided heart failure is a common sequela of left heart failure and seldom presents as a primary disorder. The differential diagnosis of right heart failure includes a cardiac tumor. Cardiac malignancies are rare tumors with an overall poor prognosis. We evaluated a 69-year-old man who presented with a 3-week history of progressive lower extremity swelling, ascites, and scrotal swelling. Laboratory studies were significant only for mildly elevated liver function tests. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed ascites, hepatic swelling, and a bland clot in the inferior vena cava extending from the level of the kidneys to the right atrium. A large mass originating from the right atrium was identified, and biopsy confirmed an undifferentiated pleomorphic cardiac sarcoma. Given the extensive tumor and clot burden, he was not an operative candidate. He developed portal hypertension with esophageal varices and expired due to variceal bleeding.

Keywords

• Cardiac sarcoma
• Undifferentiated sarcoma
• Right heart failure