Journal of the Mexican Federation of Radiology and Imaging (Oct 2023)
CT and transthoracic echocardiographic findings of cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma in an adult: a case report
Abstract
Cardiac rhabdomyosarcomas are rare in adults and are symptomatic when they become large or invade adjacent structures. We present the case of a 30-year-old woman with a left atrial tumor detected with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). The patient presented severe mitral stenosis with heart and respiratory failure, requiring advanced airway management and emergency cardiac surgery. CECT showed a filling defect in the left atrium caused by a 66 x 37 x 33 mm, oval, hypodense, and homogeneous solid mass with a well-defined margin occupying the left atrium. The mass originated from the atrial septum and invaded the right atrium. Mild enhancement was noted in the contrast phase. TTE showed a mobile hyperechogenic, homogeneous, non-vascularized mass with a well-defined margin adhering to the interatrial septum and prolapsing into the left ventricle during atrial systole, causing severe mitral stenosis. The tumor was excised, and a diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma was confirmed. This case is the first reported in Mexico of a cardiac embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma detected in the left atrium in an adult. CECT and TTE imaging findings are reported for educational purposes.