Paradoxical septal motion secondary to right ventricular tumor

Primary cardiac sarcomas. A report of three cases and a review of the current literature

Primary cardiac sarcomas are uncommon but they may mimic a wide range of common cardiac pathologies by their modes of presentation. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for non-metastatic disease however, the incidence of tumour recurrence and late metastases is high. For metastatic disease, the response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy is poor and surgery should be reserved for palliation where appropriate. The emphasis should be on early diagnosis of primary cardiac sarcoma, enabling prompt and relevant management.

A case of rhabdomyosarcoma of the right ventricle

A patient is described who presented with symptoms suggesting pericarditis and cardiac tamponade, and who was found at necropsy to have a rhabdomyosarcoma of the right ventricle. The presenting features of right ventricular tumours are discussed and some useful pointers to the correct diagnosis suggested.