Rhabdomyoma in the fetus: illustration of tumor growth during the second half of gestation

Pediatr Cardiol. 2001 Nov-Dec;22(6):515-8. doi: 10.1007/s002460010287. Epub 2001 Dec 4.

Abstract

Rhabdomyomata are the most common cardiac tumors in childhood and are associated with tuberous sclerosis. These tumors tend to regress in the first years of life. Little is known about their intrauterine growth pattern. We describe three fetuses with cardiac rhabdomyomata and illustrate the tumor growth by serial echocardiographic views during the second half of gestation. Tumor growth is proportional to cardiac growth and tends to be somewhat slower toward the end of pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Echocardiography*
  • Female
  • Heart Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Neoplasms / etiology
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Second
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third
  • Rhabdomyoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Rhabdomyoma / etiology
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / complications
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal*