Intracardiac metastasis of follicular thyroid carcinoma

TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of follicular thyroid carcinoma that spread to the heart and was successfully treated with surgery.

Contribution

The paper presents a rare clinical case of intracardiac metastasis from follicular thyroid carcinoma with a successful surgical outcome.

Findings

Intracardiac metastasis from follicular thyroid carcinoma is extremely rare.

Surgical resection can be a successful treatment option in such cases.

The patient was asymptomatic, highlighting the need for thorough diagnostic evaluation.

Abstract

Thyroid tumors represent approximately 1% of neoplasms diagnosed in Brazil, according to data from the National Cancer Institute. Most cases are differentiated carcinomas, with only 5% to 10% producing distant metastases. Follicular carcinoma, the second most common subtype, is known for its angioinvasive characteristics, typically observed microscopically and locally. Extension to large vessels and the heart is exceedingly rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature. This aggressive form of the disease often presents with exuberant symptoms, primarily superior vena cava syndrome and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The hematogenous spread characteristic of follicular carcinoma increases the likelihood of distant metastases, though cardiac involvement remains uncommon. Recent studies have suggested that aggressive surgical intervention, when feasible, can significantly improve outcomes in these rare cases. This report illustrates a female patient with asymptomatic intracardiac follicular thyroid carcinoma who underwent successful surgical resection.

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