Isolated Asymptomatic Fetal Intracardiac Mass: A Case of Rhabdomyoma

Abstract

Introduction

Fetal cardiac rhabdomyoma is one of the rare benign cardiac masses which is commonly associated with the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Though mostly fetal cardiac rhabdomyoma is asymptomatic it may lead to life-threatening conditions like outflow obstruction, arrhythmias, hydrops fetalis, or sudden fetal death.

Case Report

We are reporting an isolated, asymptomatic fetal intra-cardiac mass (rhabdomyoma) that was discovered at 32 weeks of gestation and was followed as an outpatient until 39 weeks plus one day, at which point a cesarean section was performed. After delivery, the child underwent evaluations at the 1^st day, 7^th day, 30^th day, 7^th month, and 12^th month of age. Following a checkup, the child’s anthropometric and neurobehavioral growth were both healthy. Except for the tumor, which was neither growing nor shrinking in size, none of the clinical diagnostic criteria for tuberous sclerosis complex were met for this child up to the age of one year.

Conclusion

The most common primary benign fetal cardiac tumor is cardiac rhabdomyoma, which is usually associated with tuberous sclerosis. In developing nations where it is challenging to obtain MRIs and genetic studies, and in a similar patient like ours with no other features of tuberous sclerosis, the child needs to be followed in the future, bearing in mind that tuberous sclerosis manifestations will continue to develop over a patient’s lifetime.

Keywords:

• cardiac
• rhabdomyoma
• tumor
• fetal
• tuberous sclerosis
• case report
• Harar
• Ethiopia

Patient Consent

Written consent has been obtained from the patient after she has seen the detailed description of the case and video to be published. No institutional approval was required for the publishing of this case report.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting or revising the article, gave final approval of the version to be published, agreed to the journal submitted to, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors have no financial or other conflicts of interest in this study.

Additional information

Funding

No grant support or funding was given.