Right atrial rupture
Serra, V.; Moura, Lís.; Almería, C.; Pérez de Isla, L.; Zamorano, Jé.
Revista Portuguesa de Cardiologia Orgao Oficial da Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia 23(5): 731-736
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0870-2551 PMID: 15279457 Document Number: 567845
Cardiac rupture is a rare complication of primary cardiac tumors. We present a very uncommon case of cardiac angiosarcoma presenting as a right atrial rupture. A 58-year-old patient presented progressive dyspnea, weight loss, anorexia and asthenia. A chest X-ray revealed global cardiac enlargement, mainly from the right atrium. Transthoracic echocardiography gave rise to the suspicion of right atrial pseudoaneurysm, which was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography. The ruptured atrial wall was clearly seen using contrast echo. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging provided an excellent tool in the anatomic evaluation of this uncommon complication. The diagnosis of angiosarcoma was hystologically confirmed.