Key result
Undiagnosed multifocal cardiac fibroma triggers sudden death in a previously healthy child.
Why the study?
Despite benign histology, cardiac fibromas can cause life-threatening complications, including arrhythmias and sudden death.
Case Report (n=1)
No
This case highlights that cardiac fibromas in children, though histologically benign, can present multifocally and cause sudden death without prior symptoms.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Multifocal cardiac fibromas merit consideration in unexplained pediatric sudden death; extends sparse case data but leaves optimal screening open.
Despite their benign histology, cardiac fibromas can cause life-threatening complications, including arrhythmias and sudden death. We report the case of a previously healthy four-year-old boy who collapsed suddenly after a minor fall. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts, he was declared dead. Autopsy revealed an enlarged heart with a large, firm, white intramyocardial mass measuring 5.5 × 4.5 × 3.0 cm in the lateral wall of the left ventricle, compressing the ventricular cavity. Three additional epicardial nodules were also identified. Histologic examination showed spindle cell proliferation with dense collagenous stroma, low mitotic activity, and no atypia or necrosis, consistent with multifocal cardiac fibroma. This case illustrates the silent yet potentially lethal nature of cardiac fibromas in children. Multifocal presentation is extremely rare and can remain undiagnosed until sudden death occurs. Awareness of such tumors and early cardiac imaging may help prevent fatal outcomes in pediatric populations.
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A 2025 study conducted a case report in Multifocal Cardiac Fibroma (n=1). Multifocal cardiac fibroma was evaluated on Sudden death and autopsy findings. An undiagnosed multifocal cardiac fibroma caused sudden death in a previously healthy four-year-old boy, highlighting the lethal potential of these histologically benign tumors.
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