Abstract

OBJECTIVE--To review the commonest types of cardiac tumours in childhood, their different presentations, and management. DESIGN--A retrospective study of patients with cardiac tumours. SETTING--Cardiac department of a teaching hospital. PATIENTS--Six patients with an age range between one day to three years presented over a period of 10 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--To determine different presentations, management, and prognosis of cardiac tumours. RESULTS--Three patients presented with an arrhythmia, two with an asymptomatic heart murmur, and the sixth was discovered accidentally. Surgical resection of the tumours was performed in five cases, one patient died during the operation, one developed new tumours after surgery, and the remaining three have had an excellent result. Histology of those operated on showed benign rhabdomyomas in three and fibromas in the other two. The sixth patient was managed conservatively and the multiple tumours he had showed gradual resolution over a period of 10 months follow up. One baby with rhabdomyoma had signs of tuberous sclerosis whereas the others were normal at follow up five months to three years after diagnosis. None of them had a positive family history. CONCLUSION--Cardiac tumours in childhood are extremely rare. The commonest types are rhabdomyomas, then fibromas. Most cases are diagnosed by echocardiography. The prognosis for most patients is excellent.