Primary left-atrial leiomyosarcoma

A patient rapidly developing right heart failure due to a left-atrial leiom yosarcoma was admitted for surgery. A large tumor, originating in the left atrium and extending into both pulmonary veins, was removed. Histology show ed an unusual epitheloid appearance of many cells with occasional mitoses a nd a strong immunexpression to desmin and actin. Six months later heart fai lure developed again: computer tomography demonstrated regrowth of the tumo r in the left atrium with invasion of the mediastinum and the para-aortal l ymph nodes. The patient died shortly after.