Primary pericardial sarcoma: a case report and a brief review

Abstract

There are very few cases of primary pericardial sarcomas reported in the English literature. Pericardial tumors, like other cardiac tumors, are most likely to be metastatic in nature and are an extension of primary tumors from the surrounding structures. Sarcomas are the most common primary pericardial tumors. Surgical eradication of the tumor is considered to be the treatment of choice. We are presenting a case of a primary pericardial, high-grade pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma that was diagnosed at our institution. We discuss the available diagnostic modalities and also shed light on alternative therapies when patients are not ideal surgical candidates.

Figure 1

Echocardiographic image showing anterior and posterior pericardial effusion.

Figure 2

CT showing anterior mediastinal mass arising from the pericardium.

Figure 3

Histopathology showing a moderately cellular, spindle cell neoplasm with pleomorphic nuclei in a myxoid background.