cardiac hemangiosarcoma
Aggressive malignant vascular tumor of the heart, most commonly affecting the right atrium with poor prognosis.
Full Definition
Cardiac hemangiosarcoma is a rare, highly aggressive malignant tumor arising from cardiac blood vessels, representing the most common primary cardiac sarcoma in adults. The tumor most frequently affects the right atrium, though any cardiac chamber can be involved. Histologically, it consists of irregular, anastomosing vascular channels lined by atypical endothelial cells with high mitotic activity and nuclear pleomorphism. The tumor is highly invasive and metastasizes early to lungs, liver, brain, and bone. Clinical presentation often includes right heart failure, pericardial effusion, and constitutional symptoms. Prognosis is universally poor with median survival measured in months, as the tumor is typically advanced at presentation and responds poorly to conventional therapy.
Usage
Usage note: Most common primary cardiac sarcoma; uniformly poor prognosis despite treatment.
In Context
- "The right atrial mass showed features of cardiac hemangiosarcoma with atypical endothelial cells and high mitotic rate." — Oncology pathology report
- "Despite aggressive therapy, the patient with cardiac hemangiosarcoma developed widespread metastases." — Oncology case discussion