Cardiac fibroma

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Cardiac fibroma is a rare, benign tumor of the heart that primarily affects children. It is composed of fibrous tissue and is typically found in the ventricles of the heart. Cardiac fibromas are the second most common type of primary cardiac tumor in children, following rhabdomyomas.

Presentation

Cardiac fibromas can vary in size and may be asymptomatic or cause significant clinical symptoms depending on their size and location. Symptoms may include arrhythmias, heart failure, chest pain, and syncope. In some cases, the tumor may be discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other conditions.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cardiac fibroma is typically made through imaging techniques such as echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans. These imaging modalities help in assessing the size, location, and characteristics of the tumor. Histopathology is used to confirm the diagnosis after surgical removal or biopsy of the tumor.

Treatment

The treatment of cardiac fibroma depends on the size and symptoms caused by the tumor. Asymptomatic and small fibromas may be monitored with regular follow-up imaging. Symptomatic or large fibromas often require surgical resection to prevent complications such as obstruction of blood flow, arrhythmias, or heart failure. In some cases, heart transplantation may be considered if the tumor is inoperable and causing severe symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with cardiac fibroma is generally good following complete surgical resection. However, the prognosis may vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the presence of any associated complications. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrence or the development of new symptoms.

See also

• Cardiac tumor
• Rhabdomyoma
• Myxoma
• Sarcoma
• Heart failure