An uncommon case of primary cardiac sarcoma with an acute presentation:
the role of multimodality imaging.
Abstract
Background: Primary cardiac sarcomas are the most commonly encountered
primary cardiac malignancies with a marked tendency of recurrence. In
the complex and heterogeneous field of cardiac masses a proper
differential diagnosis based on multimodality imaging approach is
extremely useful in order to plan the most appropriate treatment. Case
Summary: We report the case of a 69-year-old woman presenting with
worsening dyspnoea and syncope due to cardiac pleomorphic sarcoma,
emphasizing the critical aspects of differential diagnosis and
management. Discussion: A stepwise diagnostic strategy through
multimodality imaging evaluation is the cornerstone for an appropriate
prompt intervention, even if histopathological characterization remains
the diagnostic gold standard for histotype definition, to guide the
treatment and define the prognosis.