An unexpected and tumultuous diagnosis of a left atrial mass.

Abstract

This case presents a curious diagnosis in a young male presenting with chest pain. The first imaging tests suggested the presence of a hypovascular left atrial tumor. After cardiac magnetic resonance and the exclusion of extra-cardiac lesions, sarcoma emerged as the main diagnostic hypothesis. Unexpectedly, the histopathological study revealed the absence of malignancy, identifiable inflammatory and cardiac muscle tissue, and fibrosis. This pattern was compatible with inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor diagnosis, a rare entity with uncertain behavior but a known risk of recurrence and/or potentially fatal complications. This is a unique case of an unexpected finding at presentation, as well as a complex diagnostic work-up and a surprisingly unusual final diagnosis. It also highlights the increasing importance of the multimodality imaging approach, as well as the critical role of multidisciplinary discussion in optimizing patient management in such complex cases.