RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Beyond Beck's Triad: A Rare Cause of Cardiac Tamponade and Hemoptysis
JF Ochsner Journal
JO Ochsner J
FD O. P. Jindal Global University
SP 271
OP 273
DO 10.31486/toj.17.0081
VO 18
IS 3
A1 Pacha, Homam Moussa
A1 Soud, Mohamad
A1 Alraies, M. Chadi
YR 2018
UL http://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/18/3/271.abstract
AB Background: Primary cardiac angiosarcoma (CAS) is a rare tumor with a dismal prognosis. Many patients present with noncardiac symptoms related to metastatic disease that could delay the diagnosis and deteriorate the outcome.Case Report: A 36-year-old male presented with hemoptysis. Initial imaging and biopsies were inconclusive, but a repeat transthoracic echocardiogram to evaluate the patient's pericardial effusion showed a mass inferior to the right atrium and invading the wall. Biopsy results from 3 different sites confirmed the diagnosis of CAS. However, the patient's course was complicated with respiratory failure that ultimately led to his death. Autopsy demonstrated CAS involving the full thickness of the right atrium and pericardial tissue, with a diffuse metastatic process involving the lung, brain, and stomach.Conclusion: The case highlights the importance of having an increased level of suspicion for cardiac malignancy among young patients presenting with noncardiac symptoms.