Metastatic uterine papillary serous carcinoma to the pericardium.
BACKGROUND
Uterine papillary serous carcinoma is an aggressive tumor with a high propensity for distant spread. Metastases to the heart or pericardium are rare in gynecologic malignancies and usually fatal.


METHODS
A 64-year-old African American woman was diagnosed with recurrent uterine papillary serous carcinoma metastatic to the pericardium. Her case at presentation was significant for an elevated serum CA-125, evidence of metastatic disease to the liver, and massive cardiomegaly. Cytologic analysis of fluid obtained by pericardiocentesis confirmed recurrence. Despite treatment with paclitaxel and a pleuropericardial window, the patient succumbed to her disease.


CONCLUSIONS
The prognosis for patients whose recurrent uterine papillary serous carcinoma has metastasized to the heart or pericardium is extremely poor. Effective adjuvant and salvage therapies are essential.
Ramirez
P T
PT
Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. peramire@mdanderson.org
Ramondetta
L M
LM
Burke
T W
TW
Gershenson
D M
DM
Brewer
M A
MA
D018283:Cystadenocarcinoma, Papillary / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D005260:Female; D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary; D008875:Middle Aged; D010496:Pericardium / Q000473:pathology*; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*