Tumors and cysts of the heart

Abstract

Primary tumours of the heart are rare. Metastases are the most frequent tumours of the heart. Anyway, it is generally agreed that autopsy prevalence of primary cardiac tumors is 1 out of 2,000 and that of secondary cardiac tumors is 1 out of 100 autopsies, with a secondary/primary cardiac tumors ratio of 20:1. Cardiac tumors may occur in any cardiac tissue. They can cause valvular or inflow-outflow tract obstruction, thromboembolism, arrhythmias, or pericardial disorders. Symptoms are very variable and can be the result of either local or systemic effects. Surgery is successful for benign tumours when adequate resection margins are allowed. A number of imaging modalities are available for the assessment of cardiac tumours; each has advantages and limitations. This report presents our experience in the treatment of tumors of the heart for three years, considers the different aspects of this disease and the current indications for surgical treatment.Key words: cardiac tumors, cardiac tissue, classification, cardiac surgery, treatment, disease