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

• Hamartoma of Mature Heart Muscles

What is Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes? (Definition/Background Information)

• Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes is an abnormal growth of the heart muscles (cardiac myocytes), which is generally observed in adults. It is a very rare tumor that is slow-growing and benign
• The exact cause of the condition is unknown, and currently, there are no well-established risk factors for Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes
• The tumors generally occur in the upper or lower heart chamber (atrium or ventricle). Some are asymptomatic and show no signs and symptoms, while others may cause chest pain, breathing issues, and fatigue. Large-sized hamartomas can lead to severe indications, such as heart dysfunction, due to compression effect of the tumor
• The diagnosis of Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes may require a thorough physical checkup by the healthcare provider, imaging studies of the heart, and a few specialized tests to evaluate heart functioning
• The treatment of the condition includes the management of arrhythmias using anti-arrhythmic medication and surgical removal of the abnormal growths as warranted. In many cases, the prognosis of Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes is good with surgery

Who gets Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• The incidence of Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes is unknown, but the condition occurs very infrequently
• The condition is normally observed in young and middle-aged adults, but can occur in children and older adults too
• Both males and females are affected and no gender preference is observed
• All races and ethnic groups are at risk for this tumor type

What are the Risk Factors for Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes? (Predisposing Factors)

• The risk factors for Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes 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 Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes? (Etiology)

The cause of development of Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes is largely unknown or unexplained.

• Some researchers believe that these tumors could represent longstanding rhabdomyomas of the heart. But, rhabdomyomas of heart are often found in individuals with tuberous sclerosis (a genetic disorder affecting many important organs). However, individuals with Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes do not seem to have signs and symptoms of tuberous sclerosis
• Some believe these tumors are due to abnormal congenital embryological remnants during fetal development
• Research is currently being undertaken to identify the relevant causal factors

What are the Sign and Symptoms of Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes?

In many individuals, the condition is asymptomatic. In others, the common signs and symptoms of Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes may include:

• Breathing difficulties, palpitations, fatigue, chest pain, discomfort, sweating, and confusion
• These hamartomas are slow-growing and benign. They do not invade into the surrounding heart muscles
• The hamartomas may be single or multiple in numbers and can measure from 2 mm to 5 cm in size
• Hamartoma of Mature Heart Muscles can occur in the atrium or ventricle (upper chamber or lower chamber respectively) of the heart
• Both small and large tumors can cause arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). The type of arrhythmias depends on the location of the tumor. If they occur in the atrium, it can cause supraventricular arrhythmia and Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome

How is Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes Diagnosed?

The following tests and exams may be undertaken to diagnose Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes:

• 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
• Doppler ultrasound: Sound waves are used to measure the speed and direction of blood flow
• Tissue biopsy of the hamartoma:
  • 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 Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes?

Some potential complications of Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes include:

• Severe arrhythmias
• Large tumors can cause obstructive signs and symptoms including congestive heart failure and cardiac dysfunction
• In some cases, the presence of the tumor is known to cause sudden death

How is Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes Treated?

Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes may be treated through the following measures:

• In case of arrhythmias, anti-arrhythmic medication can be given. If the arrhythmia persists for a long period of time, then surgical treatment measures may be considered
• Cardiac ablation procedures: These are electro-surgical interventions that are used to destroy the abnormal areas causing arrhythmias
• Surgical excision and removal of the tumor
• Observation and periodic checkups to monitor the condition is recommended

How can Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes be Prevented?

Presently, there are no specific methods or guidelines to prevent Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes.

What is the Prognosis of Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• In majority, the prognosis of Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes is good on its surgical excision and removal
• Nevertheless, persistent arrhythmias can make the prognosis worse

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Hamartoma of Mature Cardiac Myocytes:

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

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