Extended resection of a cardiac paraganglioma—A rare neuroendocrine manifestation of the heart

Abstract

Background: Cardiac paragangliomas are rare tumors that develop from neural crest cells. They account for about 2% of all paragangliomas and there is only limited evidence of malignant transformation. Case Presentation: We present a young woman with atypical symptoms, which are related to the mass effect of the 40 × 49mm cardiac tumor on top of the left atrium. The patient underwent an extensive resection of the tumor including the root of the pulmonary trunk, the ascending aorta, and the left main artery. Conclusions: The present case is of great importance showing the need for multidisciplinary approach in the management of cardiac tumors that infiltrate multiple anatomic structures.