Key result
Cardiac tumors cause sudden cardiac death via fatal arrhythmias, obstruction, or embolization.
Why the study?
Cardiac tumors are a significant cause of sudden cardiac death when not diagnosed early, warranting an updated analysis of their pathological features to promote effective multidisciplinary management.
This state-of-the-art review highlights the histological features of cardiac tumors and their mechanisms for causing sudden cardiac death, emphasizing the need for early imaging-based diagnosis and multidisciplinary management.
May warrant heightened vigilance for cardiac tumors in unexplained SCD; extends prior reports but leaves open standardized diagnostic pathways.
Cardiac tumors (CTs), although rare, can be a significant cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD), particularly when not diagnosed early. The tumors most associated with SCD include myxomas, fibromas, rhabdomyomas, and sarcomas, which can cause fatal arrhythmias, blood flow obstruction, or embolization. Myxomas, which often develop in the left atrium, can cause valvular obstruction or cerebral emboli, while malignant tumors, such as sarcomas, can infiltrate the myocardium or conduction system, causing serious arrhythmias. Rhabdomyomas, which are common in children and associated with tuberous sclerosis, can lead to ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Early diagnosis using advanced imaging techniques such as echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging is crucial for preventing SCD. Timely diagnosis and precise characterization of lesions can help reduce the risk of SCD, thus improving the clinical management of patients, with the aim of supporting personalized treatment and improving life prospects. In this state-of-the-art review, we analyze the association between CTs and SCD, with particular attention to the histological features of benign and malignant neoplasms. Through an updated overview of the pathological aspects, we aim to improve the understanding of these tumors and promote a more effective multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach to prevent fatal events.
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Salzillo et al. (2025) conducted a review in Cardiac tumors causing sudden cardiac death. Cardiac tumors, although rare, are a significant cause of sudden cardiac death due to fatal arrhythmias, blood flow obstruction, or embolization, requiring early diagnosis and precise characterization.
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