10 year review of cardiac tumours in childhood.
OBJECTIVE
To review the commonest types of cardiac tumours in childhood, their different presentations, and management.


METHODS
A retrospective study of patients with cardiac tumours.


METHODS
Cardiac department of a teaching hospital.


METHODS
Six patients with an age range between one day to three years presented over a period of 10 years.


METHODS
To determine different presentations, management, and prognosis of cardiac tumours.


RESULTS
Three patients presented with an arrhythmia, two with an asymptomatic heart murmur, and the sixth was discovered accidentally. Surgical resection of the tumours was performed in five cases, one patient died during the operation, one developed new tumours after surgery, and the remaining three have had an excellent result. Histology of those operated on showed benign rhabdomyomas in three and fibromas in the other two. The sixth patient was managed conservatively and the multiple tumours he had showed gradual resolution over a period of 10 months follow up. One baby with rhabdomyoma had signs of tuberous sclerosis whereas the others were normal at follow up five months to three years after diagnosis. None of them had a positive family history.


CONCLUSIONS
Cardiac tumours in childhood are extremely rare. The commonest types are rhabdomyomas, then fibromas. Most cases are diagnosed by echocardiography. The prognosis for most patients is excellent.
Our Lady's Hospital For Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland.
L
L
Abushaban
B
B
Denham
D
D
Duff
D002675:Child, Preschool; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005350:Fibroma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012207:Rhabdomyoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014402:Tuberous Sclerosis / Q000150:complications; D014463:Ultrasonography