Primary synovial sarcoma of the heart

Abstract

Primary synovial sarcoma of the heart is very rare, accounting for 5% of cardiac malignancies. Of the few cases reported in the literature to date, nearly all have had a very poor outcome. We present a further case. This uncommon malignancy has no specific symptoms during its development, which results in delayed diagnosis. Echocardiography, chest computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging can provide effective information about this tumor. With the identification of the characteristic and diagnostic chromosomal abnormality t(X; 18), this malignancy will become increasingly recognized. Synovial sarcoma of the heart requires surgical intervention to improve the prognosis. Adjuvant and/or genetic therapy pre- or postoperation can help prolong life. Chemotherapy is usually recommended as it may benefit the patients. The key to treatment in the future is to find new therapeutic agents. Further elucidation of the effects of this chromosomal abnormality may lead to better-directed therapies in future. (Cardiol J 2011; 18, 2: 128-133)