[Extensive cardiac angiosarcoma in the course of immunosuppressive therapy after kidney transplant].
We present a case of a 49-year-old man who underwent a kidney transplant. Treatment with azathioprine and steroid was increased due to an initial rejection of the allograft. Six months later, the patient experienced palpitations and precordial pain: the electrocardiogram recorded atrial fibrillation and the echocardiogram showed moderate pericardial effusion and the presence of a right atrial mass with infiltration into the interatrial septum and right ventricle. Computed tomography imaging confirmed the tumoral mass and magnetic resonance imaging revealed the extensive involvement of the right atrium, right ventricle and superior vena cava, suggesting the presence of an angiosarcoma of the heart. Despite chemotherapy the patient died within 1 month. The diagnosis was confirmed by autopsy, histological section, and electron microscopy examination.
Rigatelli
G
G
Divisione di Cardiologia, Ospedale Civile, ALSS 21, Legnago, VR. jackyheart@katamail.com
Cotogni
A
A
Rugolotto
M
M
Franco
G
G
Visentin
E
E
Cavallini
L
L
Marchi
C
C
Bandello
A
A
Rigatelli
G
G
D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000188:drug therapy; D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D006394:Hemangiosarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D001379:Azathioprine