A Case of Fetal Cardiac Tumor Diagnosed by Ultrasonography / 대한산부인과학회지

ABSTRACT

Primary tumors of the heart are uncommon in fetus and neonate, and most tumors are histologically benign. They remain clinically unimportant and regress with age, but they may cause mechanical obstruction and induce even life-threatening symptoms. Hemodynamic disturbance are correlated with the size and location of the tumors. Murmurs, arrhythmia, cyanosis, respiratory distress, and heart failure are main presenting signs of cardiac tumors in perinatal periods. The most common histological form of cardiac tumors in perinatal periods is rhabdomyoma. Rhabdomyomas are associated with tuberous sclerosis in 50% of cases. The widespread use of echocardiography and other new imaging techniques has contributed significantly to eariler diagnosis, treatment, and thus improving survival. We have experienced a case of fetal cardiac tumor which were detected by prenatal ultrasonographic evaluation in 21 weeks and 4 days of gestation. After termination, autopsy was performed and rhabdomyoma was diagnosed, but not accompanied tuberous sclerosis.