Introduction Primary cardiac tumors are rare entities, approximately 75% of which are benign, with myxoma as the most common type., Only about 15% of primary cardiac tumors are malignant, predominantly sarcomas. In contrast, metastatic cardiac involvement is relatively frequent and has been identified in up to 9% of patients who died from cancer. Clinical manifestations are more closely related to tumor location than to histopathological classification. They may result from embolic phenomena, intracardiac obstruction with signs of heart failure (HF), […]

Introduction Tricuspid atresia with pulmonary atresia is a rare congenital heart defect, representing about 1% to 3% of all congenital heart diseases. Tricuspid atresia is subdivided into type I (normal position of the great arteries) and type II (transposition of the great arteries), with type 1A characterized by the presence of associated pulmonary atresia or stenosis. Pulmonary blood flow in these patients is dependent on the patency of the ductus arteriosus, making its maintenance essential in the neonatal period. The […]

Introduction The Aortopulmonary Window (APW) is a rare congenital malformation, representing approximately 0.2% of all congenital heart diseases. It is typically nonrestrictive and requires early surgical intervention to prevent complications such as pulmonary congestion, respiratory infections, and obstructive pulmonary vascular disease. In cases like ours, where the surgical risk is exceedingly high, percutaneous closure may present a viable alternative. […]

Introduction Atrial myxoma (AM) is the most common primary benign tumor affecting the heart. Its prevalence is rare, estimated at 0.03% in the general population. Surgical intervention should be introduced as soon as diagnosed due to the increased risk of cardiac complications, such as intracardiac obstructions or systemic embolizations. Cardiac myxomas are commonly observed in the left atrium in >75% of cases, predominantly attached with a stalk to the fossa ovalis (>90%). However, they can be seen in other locations […]

Introduction Pericardial effusion and mediastinal bleeding are common complications in the postoperative period following cardiac surgery. These conditions typically present within the first few days after the procedure and necessitate additional surgical intervention in a minority of cases. This report describes an atypical presentation of pericardial hematoma, which manifested as severe chest pain on the 23rd postoperative day and rapidly progressed to hemodynamic instability. Echocardiography was instrumental in both diagnosing and managing the case, ultimately contributing to a favorable outcome. […]

Abstract The Giant Left Atrium (GLA) is a rare condition, more commonly related to rheumatic mitral valve disease; it can be mistaken with a few possible differential diagnoses when less accurate methods are implemented, potentially leading to particularly dangerous and unnecessary procedures in this setting. Cardiovascular imaging methods, such as Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR), can be valuable for this differentiation and provide high spatial resolution, supporting accurate diagnosis and surgical planning when indicated. Selecting the most precise diagnostic method, however, […]

Abstract Cardiac masses, though rare, can lead to significant hemodynamic and arrhythmic issues, even if benign. Improved multimodal imaging has refined the diagnosis and understanding of these masses. We present an 85-year-old woman with New York Heart Association class II-III dyspnea for six months. Echocardiography showed a mass in the basal inferolateral wall of the left ventricle, along with severe left atrial dilation and moderate mitral regurgitation. Initially thought to be a pericardial cyst, further cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging […]

Introduction Unicuspid aortic valve (UAV) is an uncommon congenital pathology, first described by Edwards in 1958. It is a rare malformation (especially when compared to other aortic valve anomalies), with an estimated incidence of 0.02% of adults undergoing echocardiography and approximately 4% to 5% of patients undergoing surgery for aortic stenosis. Echocardiography is the first-choice method for diagnosis and definition of hemodynamic repercussions. In this study, we report the case of a patient with symptomatic aortic stenosis and describe her […]

Introduction Cardiac tumors are found in 0.001% to 0.3% of autopsies, where myxoma is the most common cardiac neoplasia. Approximately 70% appear in the left atrium next to the foramen ovale and are pedunculated. Its pedunculus can be short, limiting its movement, or can be long, allowing tumor movement inside and outside the atrium during the cardiac cycle., Clinical conditions depend on the size, mobility, and location of the tumor. Classic symptoms are related to Goodwin’s triad, which includes unspecific […]

Introduction Anomalous origin of the coronary arteries represents a heterogeneous group of alterations in the origin and course of these vessels, ranging from the most common, asymptomatic and low risk, to the rarest and highest risk, which may eventually be symptomatic or have sudden death as their first manifestation., Their prevalence corresponds to 1.3% of patients undergoing coronary angiography, but this number may be higher depending on the diagnostic method and the population selected, representing the second leading cause of […]