Key result
Exploratory median sternotomy was required to establish the diagnosis of rapidly progressive primary cardiac angiosarcoma in a 25-year-old man who subsequently died of respiratory failure.
Case Report (n=1)
No
Primary cardiac angiosarcoma can present a significant diagnostic challenge where modern imaging may fail, necessitating exploratory surgery for definitive diagnosis.
May require exploratory sternotomy when imaging fails to diagnose cardiac angiosarcoma; leaves open optimal diagnostic pathways in young adults.
A 25-year-old man suffering from sudden onset of haemoptysis after 1 week of orthopnoea, fatigue and general weakness was admitted to a cardiology department in Vienna. No diagnosis was made. Four weeks later cardiopulmonary resuscitation and pericardiocentesis were necessary because of cardiac tamponade. Although all modern imaging procedures were performed, a diagnosis of rapidly progressive primary cardiac angiosarcoma could not be established. Definitive diagnosis was established only after exploratory median sternotomy. The patient exhibited no response to chemotherapy. He died 5 days after surgery as a result of respiratory failure.
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Klima et al. (1993) conducted a case report in Primary cardiac angiosarcoma (n=1). Exploratory median sternotomy was evaluated on Diagnosis and survival. Exploratory median sternotomy was required to establish the diagnosis of rapidly progressive primary cardiac angiosarcoma in a 25-year-old man who subsequently died of respiratory failure.
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