Case Report: A case of right ventricular metastasis from cervical cancer presenting with thrombocytopenia: the role of echocardiography and myocardial contrast echocardiography

TL;DR

A cervical cancer survivor developed a rare heart tumor detected by echocardiography, showing the importance of long-term monitoring.

Contribution

Demonstrates the diagnostic value of myocardial contrast echocardiography in identifying rare cardiac metastases from cervical cancer.

Findings

Myocardial contrast echocardiography detected a right ventricular metastasis with peripheral rim enhancement.

Surgical resection resolved thrombocytopenia and eliminated the need for further oncological treatment.

Long-term follow-up is crucial for cervical cancer survivors due to delayed metastasis risks.

Abstract

Cardiac metastasis from cervical cancer is rare and often presents with nonspecific symptoms, leading to diagnostic delays. This case highlights the role of myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) in detecting such metastases in long-term cervical cancer survivors.

A 63-year-old female with a history of cervical cancer treated 11 years ago presented with thrombocytopenia and respiratory symptoms. Imaging revealed a mobile mass in the right ventricle extending into the pulmonary artery. MCE showed peripheral rim enhancement, indicative of a necrotic malignant tumor, confirmed as metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.

The patient underwent surgical resection of the right ventricular mass and tricuspid valvuloplasty. Her thrombocytopenia resolved post-surgery, and no further oncological treatment was needed.

MCE is a valuable tool for diagnosing cardiac metastases, especially in cervical cancer survivors. This case underscores the need for long-term follow-up and imaging surveillance due to the risk of delayed and atypical metastasis.

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