Cardiac Rhabdomyosarcoma

pp 174-176

Abstract

The prevalence of primary cardiac tumors is low worldwide, with a predominance of benign tumors. Malignant tumors, even more rare, present high mortality and low survival rates despite surgery or chemotherapy. Its clinical diagnosis is inaccurate, but there are very reliable diagnostic tools. This report describes the case of a patient with no cardiovascular risk factors or significant family history, who asked for medical care due to dyspnea on moderate exertion as the only symptom. She was performed imaging studies, which revealed a mass in the left atrium. Surgical resection and analysis of the tumor were performed, concluding that its diagnosis was cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma. Chemotherapy was indicated in order to improve survival. Also, a review of the literature was made for the diagnosis and management of malignant primary cardiac tumors.