Primary Ewing Sarcoma in the Right Ventricle in an Adult Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Ewing sarcoma, a highly aggressive round-cell neoplasm of unknown origin, rarely occurs as a primary cardiac tumor. In this intriguing case, we describe an instance of primary Ewing sarcoma in an adult patient’s right ventricle (RV).

The patient, a 27-year-old man, presented with symptoms including epigastric pain, fever, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and a dry cough. Imaging studies, including a computed tomography scan and echocardiogram, revealed an anterior mediastinal mass arising from the free wall of the RV and extending into the pericardium. The mass exerted pressure on the RV outflow tract and the pulmonary artery.

Surgical intervention was deemed necessary based on the clinical presentation and paraclinical findings. The mass was meticulously dissected from the cardiac tissue, and the RV outflow tract was resected, along with the pulmonary valve and the main pulmonary artery. These structures were replaced with a composite Dacron graft, anastomosed to the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery. Additionally, the mass near the superior vena cava and the pulmonary vein region was carefully excised.

The patient was successfully weaned off the cardiopulmonary bypass pump in stable condition and transferred to the ICU. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of small round cell sarcoma, specifically Ewing sarcoma. Following recovery, the patient was discharged and scheduled for regular follow-up appointments.

Following discharge, the patient was referred to a radiotherapy center and underwent radiotherapy. During a follow-up examination 1 year later, no signs of disease recurrence or progression were observed, offering a promising outlook. This case underscores the importance of timely referral and treatment for cardiac Ewing sarcoma, which may significantly improve prognosis.