Myocardial Infiltration in Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Author Information
Author(s): Mateen Farrah J, Harding Sheila R, Saxena Anurag
Primary Institution: Mayo Clinic, University of Saskatchewan and Saskatoon Health Region
Hypothesis
Can myocardial infiltration by hemopoietic precursors occur in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome?
Conclusion
This case highlights the clinical importance of considering myocardial infiltration in patients with myelodysplasia and cardiac symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had a rapid decrease in ejection fraction from 66% to 33%.
- Myocardial necrosis was likely due to ischemic damage secondary to anemia and prolonged hypotension.
- This case is the first report of cardiac infiltration by malignant hemopoietic cells in myelodysplasia.
Takeaway
A woman with a blood disorder had cancer cells invade her heart, which made her very sick and led to her death. Doctors didn't think to check for this unusual problem.
Methodology
Case report detailing the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and post-mortem findings of a patient.
Limitations
The post-mortem examination was limited to the heart and lungs at the request of the family.
Participant Demographics
64-year-old woman.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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