Adrenal carcinoma with intravenous extension into the tricuspid valvular plane in a patient with patent foramen ovale

Abstract

We report on an adrenal carcinoma growing via the inferior vena cava into the right atrium and prolapsing into the right ventricle. A patent foramen ovale determined the pathophysiological and clinical appearance. Instead of an expected caval congestion the main features were paroxysmal dyspnoea and cyanosis. The patient was investigated using echocardiography, magnetic resonance tomography and angiography.