What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Adult Cellular Cardiac Rhabdomyoma

What is Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart? (Definition/Background Information)

• Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart is a benign tumor that usually forms in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria). It is a very rare condition that is typically seen in middle-aged adults
• The exact cause of the condition is unknown, and currently, there are no well-established risk factors for Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart
• The tumors generally occur in the upper heart chambers (atria). Many are asymptomatic and show no signs and symptoms, while others may cause chest pain, breathing issues, and sweating. Large-sized tumors can even cause heart dysfunction due to compression effect on the heart
• The diagnosis of Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart may require a thorough physical checkup by the healthcare provider, imaging studies of the heart, and specialized tests to evaluate the function of the heart
• The treatment of the condition includes the management of arrhythmias using anti-arrhythmic medication and surgical removal of the benign tumor as necessary. In many cases, the prognosis of Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart is good with its complete surgical removal

Who gets Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart is a very infrequent condition. It is mostly observed in adults in the age range 35-55 years
• Both males and females are affected and no gender preference is observed
• All races and ethnic groups are at risk for this tumor of the heart

What are the Risk Factors for Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart? (Predisposing Factors)

• The risk factors for Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart are currently unidentified

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart? (Etiology)

The cause of development of Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart is generally unknown.

What are the Sign and Symptoms of Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart?

In many individuals, no signs and symptoms are observed and the condition may be asymptomatic. In others, the signs and symptoms of Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart may include:

• The tumors can cause breathing difficulties, palpitations, fatigue, chest pain, discomfort, sweating, and confusion
• Some tumors are known to cause arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats)
• Adult Cellular Cardiac Rhabdomyoma is typically found in the atrium (upper heart chamber); although, they may be occasionally present in the ventricle (lower heart chamber)
• The tumor size ranges from 2-5 cm; most tumors are solitary
• Large tumors can block the flow of blood in the heart causing heart dysfunction

How is Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart Diagnosed?

In order to accurately diagnose Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart, a healthcare professional may need information from the following tests and exams:

• Complete evaluation of family (medical) history, along with a thorough physical examination; including examination of the heart (with special emphasis to signs such as abnormal heart sounds)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): It is used to measure the electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias
• Electrophysiological studies of the heart, to determine where arrhythmia is getting generated in the heart, is often helpful
• CT or MRI scan of the heart
• Echocardiography: This procedure uses sound waves to create a motion picture of the heart movement
  • It can help show the size and shape of the heart and how well the chambers and valves are working
  • It can also help visualize the tumors, especially the large tumors; 1 mm and lesser-sized tumors may not be visible though
• Doppler ultrasound: Sound waves are used to measure the speed and direction of blood flow
• Tissue biopsy of the tumor:
  • A tissue biopsy of the nodule is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
  • Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation
  • Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely, electron microscopic studies to assist in the diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart?

Some potential complications of Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart include:

• Severe arrhythmias
• Large tumors can compress the heart and severely affect its normal function

How is Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart Treated?

Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart may be treated through the following measures:

• The healthcare provider may chose to closely monitor small tumors that present no signs and symptoms
• For those with arrhythmias, anti-arrhythmic medication may be administered. If the arrhythmia persists for a long period of time, then surgical treatment measures may be considered
• Surgical excision and removal is considered, in case the tumors are large and/or cause significant signs and symptoms
• Observation and periodic checkups to monitor the condition is recommended

How can Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart be Prevented?

Presently, there are no definitive preventative measures available for Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart.

What is the Prognosis of Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart depends upon the location, size, and underlying signs and symptoms of the tumor
• With complete excision and removal of the tumor, the prognosis is generally good

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Adult Cellular Rhabdomyoma of Heart:

The following article link will help you understand other heart conditions:

http://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/heart-center/