Abstract

38 year old young female presented with a two-week history of dyspnoea and general malaise without any other clinical signs of malignancy. Two-dimensional Echocardiogram showed findings suspicious for a right atrial mass. Transoesophageal echocardiogram showed rupture of the right atrial free wall with a pseudoaneurysm and mass that has also infiltrated the right ventricle. Histopathology of the biopsied specimens confirmed the diagnosis of cardiac angiosarcoma. Given its rapid growth, nonspecific symptoms and late presentation to the hospital, diagnosis is often delayed. Early diagnosis is key as these patients can be referred to surgery sooner than later due to rapid progression of the mass and poor survival rates. Unfortunately, our patient had brain and lung metastases and local tissue destruction by the time she presented to the hospital. Echocardiography plays a crucial role as a readily available imaging technique to help locate the tumour and define its extent.