The Role of Three Dimensional Echocardiography in the Detection of Cardiac Metastasis from Melanoma

Abstract

Melanocarcinoma, considered the most malignant of skin tumors, with enormous potential for systemic metastasis mainly through the blood, usually occurs from 30 to 60 years of age. Its incidence increases progressively, affecting 4% to 8% of the white population2. Until recently, cardiac involvement was rarely diagnosed3. The limitations of imaging methods associated with nonspecific clinical symptoms made this diagnosis a challenge. Positron emission tomography (PET scan), together with the 3D TTE, plays an important role in palliative surgical planning, when recommended, as it provides detailed information of the tumor, such as size and invasion of adjacent structures. This case report describes the use of three-dimensional echocardiography for diagnosing cardiac neoplastic involvement due to melanoma, confirmed by PETscan, in a female patient with nonspecific symptoms.