Rare Tumor Excision in the Heart

Rare Tumor Excision in the Heart

The medical team at the Cardiac Surgery Department of Al-Mouwasat Hospital in Riyadh has successfully performed the excision of a rare tumor in the heart of a patient in her forties.

Dr. Walid Al-Ayadi, the consultant cardiac surgeon, explained that the patient arrived at the emergency room with difficulty breathing and severe chest and abdominal pain. Immediately, necessary tests, including electrocardiogram, diagnostic coronary angiography, echocardiography, and brain and abdominal CT scans, revealed multiple clots in the brain and the spleen resulting from the fragmentation of parts of a large unstable tumor located in the left atrium of the heart. There was also partial occlusion of the mitral valve inlet, which could obstruct blood circulation and potentially lead to sudden death. Additionally, there was a possibility of multiple cerebral clots causing the patient to suffer from a permanent coma or paralysis if small tumor fragments reached the brain.

After discussing the case with the medical team, which consisted of cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, and intensive care specialists, as well as obtaining written consent from the patient after explaining all the details about her condition and the recommended treatment plan, the patient was prepared for an urgent, high-risk heart surgery to completely remove the tumor from the heart. The tumor measured 5cm by 3cm, and the latest surgical techniques were utilized, along with echocardiography-guided minimally invasive procedures, to ensure complete excision of the tumor from its roots. Thankfully, the patient woke up immediately after the surgery without any side effects. She recovered well and was discharged from the hospital on the fifth-day post-surgery in stable condition.

It is worth mentioning that this type of tumor is considered rare, with a global incidence rate of 0.05% according to the latest international statistics. This procedure represents one of the most advanced and technology-dependent surgeries. This falls in line with Al-Mouwasat Medical Services Company's vision to provide the highest levels of medical technologies, specialized professionals, and top-of-line medical care for all of our patients.