Cardiac paraganglioma
Recommended Citation
Shereef H, Bhatia A. Cardiac Paraganglioma. JACC Case Rep. Published online June 12, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.jaccas.2026.108874
Abstract
Background: Cardiac paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that can present with catecholaminergic symptoms or be discovered incidentally. Multimodality imaging and genetic testing are central to diagnosis and management.
Case summary: A 76-year-old woman with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding underwent preprocedural imaging with cardiac computed tomography angiography for left atrial appendage occlusion, which revealed a large mass near the ascending aorta encasing the proximal right coronary artery. Surgical resection of the mass was performed. Histopathology confirmed the presence of paraganglioma. Genetic analysis identified a hereditary gene mutation.
Discussion: Cardiac paragangliomas are rare tumors that require a high index of suspicion. This case demonstrates the diagnostic value of advanced imaging in cardiac tumors and illustrates the role of genetic testing in identifying heritable paraganglioma syndromes.
Take-home messages: Multimodality imaging is important in the diagnosis of cardiac masses. Surgical resection is the primary treatment for cardiac paragangliomas.
Type
Article
PubMed ID
42283681
Affiliations
Aurora Sinai/Aurora St Luke's Medical Centers