cardiac angiosarcoma
Pronunciation: /ˈkɑrdiæk ˌændʒioʊsɑrˈkoʊmə/
Aggressive malignant vascular tumor of the heart, typically arising in the right atrium with poor prognosis.
Full Definition
Cardiac angiosarcoma is the most common primary malignant cardiac tumor in adults, representing approximately 25% of all primary cardiac malignancies. These tumors most commonly arise in the right atrium, particularly along the atrioventricular groove, and show rapid growth with early metastatic spread. Histologically, cardiac angiosarcomas are characterized by irregular, anastomosing vascular channels lined by atypical endothelial cells that are positive for vascular markers including CD31, CD34, and ERG. The tumor often presents with pericardial effusion, which may be hemorrhagic, and frequently causes cardiac tamponade. Prognosis is extremely poor, with most patients surviving less than one year from diagnosis.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify 'cardiac' to distinguish from angiosarcomas arising in other organs.
In Context
- "The cardiac angiosarcoma demonstrated strong immunoreactivity for CD31 and ERG, confirming its endothelial origin." — Immunohistochemistry report
- "Hemorrhagic pericardial effusion secondary to cardiac angiosarcoma resulted in cardiac tamponade requiring emergency pericardiocentesis." — Clinical pathology correlation