[An autopsy report of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the left atrium and a review of the pertinent literature].

A 30-year-old male complaining of fever was admitted to hospital and a diagnosis of a malignant, fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) was established after a biopsy examination. Antitumor chemotherapy and Co60 irradiation was initiated. The patient, however, suddenly died of cardiac arrest 9 months after admission. The autopsy revealed a polypoid, yellow-white tumor (5 cm in diameter) arising from the antero-lateral wall of the left atrium and occupying the chamber. Twenty-two cases of MFH (21 previous reports and 1 current case) arising from the heart are reviewed.