inflammatory pseudotumor of heart
Benign reactive cardiac mass composed of inflammatory cells and myofibroblasts, mimicking malignant tumors.
Full Definition
Inflammatory pseudotumor of the heart is a rare benign reactive lesion that presents as a cardiac mass and may clinically mimic malignant tumors. Also known as inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, this lesion is composed of a mixture of inflammatory cells including lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes, along with proliferating myofibroblasts and fibroblasts in a collagenous stroma. The myofibroblastic component typically shows positive immunostaining for smooth muscle actin and may express anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in some cases. These lesions can occur at any cardiac location but most commonly affect the atria. Despite their benign nature, they can cause significant clinical symptoms due to mass effect, including obstruction of cardiac chambers or valves.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'pseudotumor' to emphasize the non-neoplastic nature, distinguishing it from true cardiac tumors.
In Context
- "Immunohistochemistry of the cardiac mass showed positive staining for ALK, supporting the diagnosis of inflammatory pseudotumor of heart." — Immunohistochemistry report
- "Despite its aggressive imaging appearance, the lesion proved to be an inflammatory pseudotumor of heart rather than a malignant neoplasm." — Clinicopathologic correlation