Large left atrial cavernous hemangioma, a case report

BACKGROUND: Cardiac cavernous hemangiomas are extremely rare and usually difficult to be diagnosed for being asymptomatic. CASE PRESENTATION: An asymptomatic 56-year-old woman was hospitalized due to a heart mass found by chest computed tomography (CT) during her annual physical examination. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) disclosed a tumorous lesion, located in the left atrial roof and extended to the posterior wall of the aortic root and surrounding the left main coronary artery. However, there was no communicating branches between the hemangioma and coronary artery and no coronary artery stenosis. The tumor was excised with low-frequency electrocautery under cardiopulmonary bypass. The histopathological examination indicated the mass a cavernous hemangioma. The patient was discharged with an uneventful recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Here we presented a rare case of successfully excision of a cavernous hemangioma involving the left atrial roof and left coronary artery. We advocate adequate exposure and complete surgical excision with low-frequency electrocautery to avoid remnants and excessive resection.