Recurrent ovarian tumor with low malignant potential and cardiac metastasis

Obstet Gynecol. 1997 May;89(5 Pt 2):854-6. doi: 10.1016/s0029-7844(97)81429-9.

Abstract

Background: Up to 20% of ovarian epithelial tumors are classified as being of low malignant potential. Most of these low malignant potential tumors are detected at an early stage and have an excellent prognosis. This is a report of a woman with cardiac metastasis from an ovarian low malignant potential tumor.

Case: This case describes a 53-year-old woman who presented with congestive heart failure and was found to have a recurrent stage III ovarian tumor of low malignant potential. A transesophageal echocardiogram revealed compression of the inferior vena cava and a mass encompassing the right atrium. Findings at autopsy confirmed a low malignant potential ovarian tumor thrombus involving the inferior vena cava and right atrium.

Conclusion: Ovarian low malignant potential tumors can metastasize in an aggressive manner. A transesophageal echocardiogram may be useful when the diagnosis of cardiac tumor thrombus is considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma / secondary*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / etiology
  • Heart Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Thrombosis / etiology
  • Vena Cava, Inferior