An unexpected intracardiac location of yolk sac tumor

Purpose: In the pediatric population, intracardiac tumors are rare, usually benign, and mostly diagnosed as rhabdomyoma. Yolk sac tumors (YSTs) are a rare malignant type of germ celltumor that typically occurs in gonads. It can also be seen in midline locations but the intracardiac location is extremely rare.

Methods: The case herein comprises an asymptomatic 2.5-year-old girl with a murmur detected under general examination.

Results: Echocardiography showed a 3 × 3-cm mass in the right ventricle. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed a smooth contoured mass in the right ventricle lumen, which was compatible with rhabdomyoma. After surgical resection, the histopathological results showed a YST. This diagnosis was supported by high values of subsequent serum alpha feto-protein. There was no evidence for any other primary location.

Conclusion: When an intracardiac mass is observed, a YST should be considered. The increase in the alpha feto-protein level can help in the differential diagnosis.