Open AccessExtended remission of metastatic epithelioid angiosarcoma of the heart with liposomal doxorubicin
Author(s) -
C. Candeias,
Inês Maria Vaz Duarte Luis,
Joana Ribeiro,
Luís Costa,
Luís SoaresdeAlmeida,
Marcio M. Gomes,
Luísa Barreto,
L. Brito-Avô,
José Luís Ducla Soares
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
bmj case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.231
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1757-790X
DOI - 10.1136/bcr.08.2009.2157
Subject(s) - medicine , angiosarcoma , radiology , hemangiosarcoma , biopsy , doxorubicin , chemotherapy , metastasis , cancer , surgery
Angiosarcoma is the most common primary malignant tumour of the heart. It is a rare and aggressive neoplasm that almost always has a short and fatal evolution. By the time it produces symptoms it has usually progressed to a mass causing haemodynamic compromise. Initial presentation with metastatic disease is unusual. We report the case of a 72-year-old man who presented with painful skin lesions on both hands. The skin biopsy was diagnosed as intravascular metastasis of epithelioid angiosarcoma. Body computed tomography scan disclosed a solid mass in the left atrium. The tumour was judged unresectable and the patient was treated with systemic chemotherapy, consisting of liposomal doxorubicin, which resulted in a complete clinical response. The patient remains free of disease after 48 months of follow-up. The excellent clinical evolution of our patient verifies that liposomal doxorubicin may be effective in the treatment of these tumours and significantly prolong patients' lifespan.