Sudden death associated with solitary intracavitary right atrial metastatic tumour deposit.
We report a case of cardiac metastasis of primary adrenal cortical carcinoma to the endocardium of the right atrium resulting in an intracavitary mass which we believe caused sudden death by blocking the tricuspid valve orifice. We have been unable to find a similar case previously reported although primary atrial myxoma is well known to be a rare cause of sudden cardiac death by the same mechanism. Modern non-invasive imaging techniques have facilitated recognition of intracavitary cardiac metastases, and with surgical intervention, when feasible, the risk of sudden cardiac death can be reduced.
Dickens
P
P
Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong.
Poon
C S
CS
Wat
M S
MS
D000306:Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000473:pathology; D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged