Malignant primary cardiac tumours

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Management of malignant tumours of the heart remains a poorly investigated clinical area due to the scarcity of presen-tations. The purpose of this series and review is to present an outline of the management emphasized by our personal experience in a regional cardiothoracic centre. METHODS: We reviewed all cases presenting with primary cardiac tumours in our institution within the last 10 years, looking at presen-tation, management and outcomes. RESULTS: Of these, the records of 3 patients, who attended the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast and were treated for a cardiac sarcoma, were fully evaluated. A review of current literature was conducted through a search of Pubmed and Medline databases. A review of the presentation of these patients and the generally accepted management deterioration of patients diagnosed with cardiac sarcoma is discussed. CONCLUSIONS: With reference to our case series, we want to draw attention to the rapid deteriation of these patients following presentation