# Unexpected journey: a colon adenocarcinoma metastatic to the heart

**Authors:** Elias Edward Lahham, Abdulla Amro, Hussain Mashaqi, Mahmoud Ramahi, Mohand Abulihya, Hanna Qahoush

PMC · DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjaf379 · Journal of Surgical Case Reports · 2025-06-17

## TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of colon cancer spreading to the heart, highlighting its clinical significance and diagnostic challenges.

## Contribution

The study adds a new case to the limited literature on cardiac metastasis from colon adenocarcinoma.

## Key findings

- A 53-year-old female had metastatic adenocarcinoma of the cecum involving the right ventricle.
- Echocardiogram and histopathology confirmed the rare diagnosis of cardiac metastasis from colon cancer.
- The case emphasizes the poor prognosis and need for tailored management in such rare occurrences.

## Abstract

Cardiac metastasis from colon adenocarcinoma is a notably rare occurrence but one that warrants detailed discussion due to its complex clinical presentation and significant implications for patient management. The literature on this topic is sparse, with only 31 reported cases, underscoring its rarity and the challenges in developing standardized treatment protocols. This study presents a 53-year-old female patient who was suffering from metastatic adenocarcinoma of the cecum that included the right ventricle. The patient presented with shortness of breath on minimal exertion. The echocardiogram showed a right ventricle filling defect, histopathology confirms the diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma from gastrointestinal origin. This report highlights the importance of recognizing intracardiac metastasis in colon cancer, providing valuable insights for enhanced understanding and potential guidance for future clinical decisions. Cardiac metastasis carries a poor prognosis, emphasizing the need for tailored management strategies.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** adenocarcinoma (MONDO:0004970), colon adenocarcinoma (MONDO:0002271)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** shortness of breath (MESH:D004417), colon cancer (MESH:D015179), colon adenocarcinoma (MESH:D003110), adenocarcinoma (MESH:D000230), Cardiac metastasis (MESH:D009362)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12202989/full.md

## References

10 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12202989/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12202989