PREOPERATIVE IDENTIFICATION AND OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF INTRAATRIAL EXTENSION OF LUNG-TUMORS

Preoperative identification of intraatrial tumor is uncommon. A 23-yea r-old woman presented with local recurrence and pulmonary metastases a fter previous resection of a clavicular sarcoma. Evaluation by compute d tomography revealed bilateral pulmonary masses. Due to the size and proximal location, magnetic resonance imaging and transesophageal echo cardiography were performed, revealing a large intraatrial mass. She t hen underwent staged surgical excision without intraoperative complica tions. We summarize this case and review risk factors for intracardiac extension and prevention of tumor emboli. (C) 1998 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.