Primary Pericardial Sarcoma: A Case Report and a Brief Review

Aneesh Pakala,Raghav Gupta,Ralph Lazzara

doi:10.4061/2011/853078

Aneesh Pakala, Raghav Gupta + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.4061/2011/853078

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Abstract

There are very few cases of primary pericardial sarcomas reported in the English literature. Pericardial tumors, like other cardiac tumors, are most likely to be metastatic in nature and are an extension of primary tumors from the surrounding structures. Sarcomas are the most common primary pericardial tumors. Surgical eradication of the tumor is considered to be the treatment of choice. We are presenting a case of a primary pericardial, high-grade pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma that was diagnosed at our institution. We discuss the available diagnostic modalities and also shed light on alternative therapies when patients are not ideal surgical candidates.

Highlights

Cardiac neoplasms are either primary or secondary; in case of secondary neoplasms the most common site of origin is the lung [1]
We are presenting a case of a primary pericardial, high-grade pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma that was diagnosed at our institution and provide a brief insight into the detection and treatment of the disease
We have presented a high-grade pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma arising from the pericardium that is very rarely documented in English literature

Summary

Introduction

Cardiac neoplasms are either primary or secondary; in case of secondary neoplasms the most common site of origin is the lung [1]. Primary cardiac tumors are rare; the incidence is reported to be around 0.056–0.02% [1]. Malignant tumors involving the pericardium are even rarer in autopsy series, the incidence is reported to be around 0.001%. The presenting symptoms are cough, dyspnea, chest pain, and palpitations, which are a result of the mass effect of the tumor on the cardiac chambers [2]. These tumors are of a particular concern due to the fact that overt signs and symptoms occur rather late in the course, precluding effective tumor eradication [2]. We are presenting a case of a primary pericardial, high-grade pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma that was diagnosed at our institution and provide a brief insight into the detection and treatment of the disease

Case Presentation

Pathology

Diagnosis

Management

Prognosis

Discussion