A case report of primary pericardial sarcoma.

Eur Heart J Case Rep

Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA.

Published: June 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • Primary pericardial sarcomas are rare cancers, and the case presented involves a 29-year-old male who experienced symptoms like fatigue and leg swelling, leading to the discovery of pericardial effusion.
  • After initial treatment and a temporary diagnosis of post-viral pericarditis, the patient returned with severe symptoms, and advanced imaging revealed a high-grade synovial sarcoma.
  • Recommended initial evaluations for pericardial effusions include transthoracic echocardiogram and computed tomography, with further imaging techniques like cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and PET scans advised for atypical cases to rule out malignancy.

Article Abstract

Background: Primary pericardial sarcomas are extremely rare malignancies. In this case of primary pericardial synovial sarcoma, we discuss the initial steps to work-up pericardial effusions and review features that warrant more detailed investigation.

Case Summary: A 29-year-old male with no relevant past medical history presents with a few weeks of fatigue, dyspnoea, orthopnoea, leg swelling, and back pain. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed pericardial effusion for which pericardiocentesis and drain placement were done. He was discharged with a diagnosis of post-viral pericarditis. He returned 5 months later with worsening symptoms. Advanced imaging with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) showed heterogeneous pericardial mass later revealed to be a high-grade synovial sarcoma on biopsy. The patient was started on a doxorubicin-based chemotherapy regimen, but due to kidney dysfunction and multi-organ failure, he was transitioned to palliative care measures.

Discussion: Transthoracic echocardiogram and computed tomography are often the initial tests of choice for pericardial effusions with pericardiocentesis recommended for effusions with tamponade physiology, for moderate-to-large effusions, or if there is concern for infection/neoplasm. Due to improved tissue characterization and spatial resolution, CMR and positron emission tomography should also be considered for atypical or recurrent pericardial effusions to assess for less common aetiologies such as malignancy.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11204908PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ehjcr/ytae284DOI Listing

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