Cardiac calcified amorphous tumor in the right atrium: a rare cardiac neoplasm.

BACKGROUND

Cardiac calcified amorphous tumors (CATs) represent rare, nonneoplastic intraluminal heart masses, with limited case reports in existing literature. Asymptomatic cases localized in the right atrium are particularly unusual.

CASE PRESENTATION

An asymptomatic 46-year-old male was discovered to have a cardiac mass upon echocardiograph. Echocardiography revealed a 13.2 × 11.8 mm pedunculated mass in the right atrium, attached to the interatrial septum. Then we performed surgical treatment. Histopathology revealed some myocardial tissue, a powdery stained, calcified amorphous area, and a few localized lymphocytes and red blood cells. The final diagnosis confirmed a cardiac CAT.

CONCLUSIONS

CATs, rarely occurring endocardium-based pseudotumors, comprise calcium nodules and amorphous fibrin material. Typically presenting as a calcified pedunculated mass, they may arise in any heart chamber, with a significant propensity for distal embolism. Differentiating CATs from calcified atrial myxomas, calcified thrombi, or other cardiac tumors is challenging. Histopathology remains a critical diagnostic cornerstone. Although complete surgical resection is the recommended treatment, anticoagulation and ongoing surveillance may serve as viable alternatives when primary treatment, surgical resection, is deemed excessively hazardous.