Our Summary

In simpler terms, a 25-year-old man came to the doctor because his heart was beating unusually. He was diagnosed with a large cyst (a fluid-filled sac) on the outer layer of his heart, specifically originating from the left lower chamber. This cyst was so big that it was pressing on the upper and lower chambers of the left side of his heart, causing the lower chamber to not fill with blood properly. A special type of chest scan revealed that the heart artery was passing over or through the cyst. The doctors successfully removed the cyst using a minimally invasive surgery through the left side of the chest, which was assisted by a camera device. After the surgery, the lower chamber of his heart started to fill with blood properly again. This method of treatment could be applied to most similar cysts if they are located on the left side of the heart.

FAQs

  1. What symptoms led to the discovery of the epicardial cyst in the 25-year-old man?
  2. How was the cyst resected without using cardiopulmonary bypass?
  3. Did the left ventricular diastolic dysfunction improve after the tumor resection?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tumor resection is to follow post-operative care instructions closely to ensure proper healing and recovery. This may include taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activities as recommended by your healthcare provider. It is also important to report any unusual symptoms or concerns to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended tumor resection include those with large epicardial cysts causing compression of the heart chambers, leading to symptoms such as palpitations and ventricular dysfunction. In cases where the cyst is located in the left side of the heart and is causing significant functional impairment, surgical resection may be recommended to alleviate symptoms and improve cardiac function. This approach may be particularly suitable for young patients with no significant comorbidities who are able to tolerate surgery without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Timeline

  • Initial presentation of palpitations
  • Diagnosis of large epicardial cyst
  • Imaging studies to assess size and location of the cyst
  • Evaluation of potential complications caused by the cyst
  • Surgical planning for resection
  • Resection of the cyst through a left mini-thoracotomy with thoracoscopic assistance
  • Recovery and monitoring for improvement in symptoms and cardiac function
  • Follow-up care to ensure successful resolution of the cyst and any associated issues

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the location and size of the tumor that needs to be resected?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with the tumor resection procedure?
  3. Will I need to undergo cardiopulmonary bypass during the surgery?
  4. How long is the recovery period after the tumor resection surgery?
  5. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up care after the procedure?
  6. What are the chances of the tumor recurring after the resection?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I need to follow post-surgery?
  8. How soon can I return to normal activities and work after the tumor resection?
  9. Are there any specific symptoms or signs to watch out for after the surgery that may indicate complications?
  10. Are there any support groups or resources available for patients undergoing tumor resection surgery?

Reference

Authors: Uemura H, Yajima S, Ryomoto M, Sekiya N, Yamashita K, Tanaka H, Yamamura M, Satoh A, Ueda D, Sakaguchi T. Journal: Ann Thorac Surg. 2021 Aug;112(2):e119-e121. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2020.11.050. Epub 2021 Jan 11. PMID: 33444579