Surgical Management of Benign Tumors of the Heart: A Rare but Important Pathology

Objectives: Primary neoplasms of the heart are relatively uncommon, but represent an important cardiovascular pathology since early diagnosis can be curative. The purpose of this study was to share our institutional experience and surgical management of benign cardiac tumors. Methods: In this retrospective chart review of patients, we evaluate the incidence, demographics, clinical presentation, histopathological findings, surgical management, and outcomes of patients undergoing procedures at a single tertiary care center for treatment of benign cardiac tumors from January 2000 to October 2013. Results: 16 patients (4 male and 12 female) with a mean age of 47.3 years (range of 23-79 years) were identified. The most common presenting symptoms were dyspnea (53%), constitutional symptoms (32%), chest pain (26%), and neurological symptoms (16%) and endocarditis (11%). All benign tumors were grossly resected on cardiopulmonary bypass. Myxomas were the most common cardiac tumors, most occurring in the left atrium. There was postoperative mortality. No tumors recurred during our follow-up period. Conclusions: Early clinical suspicion and use of multiple imaging modalities is a key to early diagnosis of benign cardiac tumors. Although these tumors have a risk for severe cardiac and systemic symptoms, referral to experienced centers for prompt surgical resection under cardiopulmonary bypass provides excellent early and long-term results.