Surgical Treatment of Primary Cardiac Tumor: Report of 27 cases / 대한흉부외과학회지

ABSTRACT

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1979 and 1996, 27 patients with primary cardiac tumor underwent surgery at Catholic University Medical College. Mean age of patient was 45.1+/-3.03 ranging from 21 to 67 years old. Twenty-four cases were myxomas, 2 cases were chondrosarcoma, and remained case was angiosarcoma. Diagnosis was confirmed by echocardiography, cardiac angiography, CT scan, and MRI. The most common site of tumor origin was fossa ovalis limbus area (17cases63%). A biatrial operative approach was commonly used in 15 cases and the tumor was removed through left atriotomy site. Complete excision of the tumor with a cuff of normal tissue was performed. All heart chambers were carefully explored for evidence of multicentric myxomas or other tumor debris. Most of the patients were improved on postoperative period compared to preoperative NYHA functional class. RESULTS: There was one operative death due to low cardiac output syndrome. Follow up period was 3 months to 17 years. There was 2 late deaths due to local recurrences. CONCLUSION: complete surgical excion is important for increasing cure rate. Malignancy cannot be ruled out even though preoperative echocardiography suggests benign nature. Chest CT or MRI is effective for further evalution in addition to echocardiography. In suspicious of malignancy, more extensive resection is essential and postoperative chemotheraphy or radiotherapy is useful.