Cardiac sarcoma presenting as tamponade

Abstract

Sarcomas are a broad group of neoplasm that originate from the mesenchymal layer and represent about 1% of malignancy in the adult population. We describe a 46-year-old woman with no prior medical history who presented with worsening dyspnea. Physical examination was significant for jugular venous distension and bilateral lower extremity edema. Chest Xray showed cardiomegaly. Echocardiography showed a normal ejection fraction of 65%, pericardial effusion with tamponade physiology and three epicardial masses. Patient had pericardiocentesis performed followed by pericardial window. Biopsy of pericardial mass showed morphologic and immunophenotypic findings supportive of diagnosis of malignant soft tissue sarcoma. Though this type of cancer is rare, malignancy should be included as one of the differential diagnoses of new-onset pericardial effusion in a young patient. Early diagnosis and referral to a specialized sarcoma center for treatment is recommended.