CASE REPORT

A 68-year-old women was referred to our hospital for mitral valve replacement. Chest X-ray was performed routinely before cardiac surgery. We discovered a tumor lateral to the right atrium by chance (figure 1 and 2).

Figure 1

Figure 1: Chest X-ray

Figure 2

Figure 2: Chest X-ray

Chest computed tomographic scan revealed a tumor 4 cm in diameter between the right atrium and the ventral surface of the right lung (figure 3).

Figure 3

Figure 3: Chest computed tomographic scan showing the mass on the right atrial convexitiy

The patient underwent surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. After sternotomy, the right pleural cavitiy was opened. A 4 x 6 cm tumorous mass was found (figure 4).

Figure 4

Figure 4: Operative specimen

The tumor was attached to the interlobar region of the visceral pleura of the right middle lobe by a highly vascularized peduncle. We excised the tumor with a small part of lung and replaced the mitral valve.

Histology and immunhistochemistry demonstrated a solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP). Postoperative course was uneventful.

Although the majority of SFTP are benign, the treatment of choice is their complete surgical removal due to malignancy in 10-15 %.

Follow-up examinations will be performed to prevent late recurrence of the SFTP.