The value of multimodal imaging in the diagnosis of primary cardiac angiosarcoma

Echocardiography. 2021 Aug;38(8):1474-1477. doi: 10.1111/echo.15156. Epub 2021 Jul 19.

Abstract

A primary cardiac angiosarcoma (PCA) is very rare, highly aggressive, and metastatic in nature. The manifestations are often nonspecific, and the overall prognosis is extremely poor. The diagnosis of PCA can be complex and remains challenging. The key for diagnosis is echocardiography, and multimodality imaging is a more advantageous modality. Here, we present a rare case of a 41-year-old man who was diagnosed with PCA with multiple lung and bone metastases using multimodal imaging technology. Our case emphasizes the value of multimodality imaging in diagnosing PCA and suggests that patients showing intra-cardiac thrombus and hemorrhagic effusion on echocardiography without a clear explanation should be further investigated or closely followed.

Keywords: intra-cardiac thrombus; multimodal imaging; pericardial effusion; primary cardiac angiosarcoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Echocardiography
  • Heart Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemangiosarcoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multimodal Imaging
  • Prognosis