Morphologic Spectrum of Rhabdomyomatous Mesenchymal Hamartomas (Striated Muscle Hamartomas) in Pediatric Dermatopathology.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyomatous mesenchymal hamartomas (RMHs), also termed striated muscle hamartomas, are rare benign tumors of skin and subcutis, which mostly occur at birth with a predilection for the head and neck. Simple surgical excision is the treatment modality of choice with excellent prognosis. OBJECTIVE: To review the spectrum of the different clinical and pathologic features of RMHs in pediatric patients and recognize their characteristics to avoid confusion with other lesions in their list of differential diagnosis. METHODS: Six cases of RMH diagnosed at our institution from 2009 to 2021 were retrieved from our files and reviewed retrospectively after anonymization by an honest broker. This review is IRB-approved by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, study STUDY19080192. RESULTS: The patients' age ranged from 6 days to 8 years, with a female predominance (2:1). In all cases, the lesion was present at birth. All lesions, except for 2, occurred in the head and neck regions. One patient had multiple additional small nodules in the face, whereas all others presented with solitary RMHs. The size of the lesions varied, and their composition included bundles of skeletal muscle (the landmark finding) associated with variable amounts of adipose, fibrous, vascular, nerve, and adnexal structures. CONCLUSIONS: RMH is a benign hamartomatous lesion with a variable phenotypic spectrum. RMHs predominate in the head and neck. Familiarity with these lesions, including their presentation in less frequent anatomical sites, is important to avoid diagnostic misinterpretations and potential overtreatment. This study represents one of the largest series of RMHs in the literature, including an unusual case in a perianal location.

Prostatic Rhabdomyoma in a Toddler: A Case Report With Molecular Characterization.

We present a 29-month-old male patient in follow-up due to pyelocaliceal dilation with a prostatic nodule incidentally found during ultrasound evaluation. Cysto video endoscopy was performed and a prostate biopsy, obtained. Microscopic evaluation showed a haphazardly distributed population of muscular cells with cross striations without evidence of mitosis or necrosis. Immunohistochemistry was positive for myogenin and desmin and negative for smooth muscle actin. Next generation sequencing was performed without finding any pathogenic variant or fusion in the tumor RNA. The patient received no further treatment, remained asymptomatic and continues in follow up, 3 years after initial diagnosis. We report a case of prostate rhabdomyoma in a toddler, an exceptional location that raises concern about differential diagnosis with its malignant counterpart, rhabdomyosarcoma, especially at this age.

Multiple cardiac rhabdomyomas, prenatal diagnosis. Case report / Rabdomiomas cardiacos múltiples, diagnóstico prenatal. Reporte de casos.

Cardiac tumors are rare in children, having a maximum reported incidence of 0.027% in prenatal diagnosis, increasing the incidence in necropsy diagnosis; rhabdomyomas are the most frequent cardiac tumors, some cases are associated with tuberous sclerosis. We present the report of two cases in our unit that were diagnosed prenatal with follow-up after birth and one of them was associated with tuberous sclerosis. Both cases were admitted in a third level center, uncomplicated, without requiring surgical treatment, and could be discharged.

Los tumores cardiacos son raros en la población infantil, teniendo una incidencia máxima reportada del 0.027% en el diagnóstico prenatal, incrementándose la incidencia en el diagnóstico por necropsia. Los rabdomiomas son los tumores cardiacos más frecuentes, algunos casos pueden asociarse con esclerosis tuberosa. Presentamos el reporte de dos casos en nuestra unidad a los cuales se les realizó diagnóstico prenatal con seguimiento posterior al nacimiento y asociándose uno de ellos a esclerosis tuberosa. Ambos casos recibieron atención en un centro de tercer nivel, sin complicaciones, sin requerir tratamiento quirúrgico, pudiendo ser egresados.

Tumores cardíacos pediátricos: características de imagens ecocardiográficas / Pediatric cardiac tumors: echocardiographic imaging features

Tumores cardíacos (TC) em crianças são lesões muito raras, mas seu diagnóstico é fundamental para a conduta adotada para o paciente. A ecocardiografia é a modalidade de imagem cardiovascular mais utilizada na prática clínica para o diagnóstico inicial de TC em pacientes pediátricos. Conhecer as características ecocardiográficas das TCs pode possibilitar um diagnóstico cada vez mais precoce e a identificação de sua etiologia mais provável. Os TCs primários e benignos são os mais frequentes na população pediátrica. Entre os TCs benignos, os mais frequentes em fetos e neonatos são rabdomiomas e teratomas. Em crianças e adolescentes, rabdomiomas e fibromas são os mais comuns. Neste artigo, descrevemos as características ecocardiográficas dos principais TCs em idades pediátricas.(AU)

Cardiac tumors (CTs) in children are very rare, but their diagnosis is crucial for patient management. Echocardiography is the most commonly used cardiovascular imaging modality in clinical practice for the initial diagnosis of CTs in pediatric patients. Knowing the echocardiographic characteristics of CTs can enable an increasingly early diagnosis and the identification of its most likely etiology. Primary and benign CTs are the most frequent types in the pediatric population. Among benign CTs, the most frequent in fetuses and neonates are rhabdomyomas and teratomas. In children and adolescents, rhabdomyomas and fibromas are more common. Here we describe the echocardiographic characteristics of the most common CTs in pediatric patients.(AU)

Rabdomioma cardiaco en relación con tetralogía de Fallot y esclerosis tuberosa / Cardiac rhabdomyoma associated with tetralogy of Fallot and tuberous sclerosis

Resumen Los tumores cardiacos son inhabituales en la edad pediátrica; de ellos, el rabdomioma es el más prevalente. Su curso suele ser benigno. Los casos sintomáticos obedecen a su efecto mecánico obstructivo o a la presencia de arritmias. No es común su asociación con cardiopatías congénitas. Se presenta el caso de un lactante con rabdomiomas múltiples dentro del complejo de esclerosis tuberosa y portador de tetralogía de Fallot con estenosis infundibulovalvular grave, quien presentó crisis de hipoxia que requirió valvuloplastia pulmonar percutánea, la cual se complicó por arritmia supraventricular y tuvo un desenlace fatal.

Abstract Cardiac tumors are rare in pediatrics, and when they occur, rhabdomyomas are the most prevalent. They are generally benign; symptomatic cases are due to mechanical obstruction or arrhythmias. They are not commonly associated with congenital heart disease. We present the case of an infant with multiple rhabdomyomas as part of tuberous sclerosis complex, and tetralogy of Fallot with severe infundibular and valvular stenosis, who presented a hypoxic crisis requiring percutaneous pulmonary valvuloplasty which was complicated by supraventricular arrythmia and had a fatal outcome.

Oral Adult Rhabdomyoma.

This report describes a case of an adult rhabdomyoma (ARM) occurring in the oral cavity. A 47-year-old man was referred for the diagnosis of a painless, well-circumscribed, submucous nodule located on the floor of the mouth, measuring approximately 6.0 cm in length. Computed tomography revealed a well-defined, solid, and hypodense mass. A benign salivary gland or mesenchymal tumor were the main diagnostic hypotheses. Under local anesthesia, the patient underwent surgical excision. Microscopically, the tumor comprised large polygonal well-defined cells with abundant, eosinophilic granular cytoplasm with cross striations. No atypia or mitosis was observed. The cells were positive for muscle-specific actin, desmin, and sarcomeric alpha-actin. Based on these features, a diagnosis of ARM was established. No recurrence was observed after 48 months. Although rare, ARM should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oral submucosal nodules, especially those located on the floor of the mouth.

Everolimus as a possible prenatal treatment of in utero diagnosed subependymal lesions in tuberous sclerosis complex: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: The association between cardiac rhabdomyoma and intraventricular tumors and/or subcortical nodules is characteristic of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Patients with TSC may have refractory seizures, autistic behavior, and cognitive decline. CASE REPORT: The patient received the fetal diagnosis of TSC at the age of 19 weeks of gestations, where presented at prenatal ultrasound cardiac and brain tumors. Fetal MRI showed a lesion in the right and left lateral ventricles near the foramen of Monro associated with subependymal lesions along the entire ependyma of the lateral ventricles and several subcortical tubercles, and the fetal Doppler echocardiogram revealed three cardiac lesions. The fetus underwent intrauterine treatment with everolimus and presented regression and subsequent stabilization of the cardiac and brain lesions; additionally, the patient did not develop seizures or autism and presented good neuropsychomotor development. CONCLUSION: It is the first evidence that mTOR inhibitors may help to prevent neurological complications associated with TSC.

Importancia del rabdomioma cardiaco en población pediátrica. Experiencia de 39 años. Serie de casos / Importance of heart rabdomioma in pediatric population. A 39 year experience. Case series

Resumen Introducción: Los rabdomiomas son los tumores cardiacos benignos más prevalentes en la etapa fetal y durante la infancia. Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo es dar a conocer nuestra experiencia durante 39 años en pacientes pediátricos con rabdomioma en nuestra institución, así como enfatizar la importancia de su detección, estudio y control por la asociación que tiene con esclerosis tuberosa (ET). Material y métodos: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo, de enero de 1980 a marzo del 2018. Veinticuatro cumplieron con nuestros criterios, recogimos información respecto a la clínica y estudios de gabinete, así como su evolución y el tratamiento dado. Se les llamó vía telefónica para conocer su evolución y estado actual. Resultados: Encontramos 51 pacientes con diagnóstico de tumor cardiaco, de los cuales 24 eran rabdomiomas. El diagnóstico se hizo prenatal en 8 pacientes, 5 al nacimiento y en 11 durante el primer año de vida. Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron la presencia de soplo, arritmias, cianosis, disnea y diaforesis. En 17 de ellos se hizo diagnóstico de ET. La mitad tuvo seguimiento por neurología, 10 por dermatología, 8 por oftalmología y 4 con genética. La mitad se dejó en vigilancia, a 7 se les dio tratamiento médico y 5 requirieron cirugía. En cuanto a la evolución, 17 pacientes se mantuvieron estables, 5 presentaron regresión espontánea y 2 fallecieron. Conclusiones: El rabdomioma es un tumor benigno poco frecuente, su evolución puede ser maligna y asociado a ET ensombrece el pronóstico.

Abstract Introduction: Rhabdomyomas are the most prevalent benign heart tumors in the fetal stage and during childhood. Objective: Our objective is to make known our experience over 39 years in pediatric patients with rhabdomyoma in our institution, as well as to emphasize the importance of its detection, study and control due to the association it has with tuberous sclerosis (TS). Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study, from January 1980 to March 2018. Twenty-four met our criteria, we collected information regarding the clinic and cabinet studies, as well as their evolution and the treatment given. They were called by telephone to know their evolution and current status. Results: We found 51 patients with a diagnosis of cardiac tumor, of which 24 were rhabdomyomas. The diagnosis was made prenatal in 8 patients, 5 at birth and in 11 during the first year of life. The most frequent clinical manifestations were the presence of murmur, arrhythmias, cyanosis, dyspnea, and diaphoresis. In 17 of them a diagnosis of TS was made. Half had follow-up by neurology, 10 by dermatology, 8 by ophthalmology and 4 with genetics. Half were left under surveillance, 7 were given medical treatment and 5 required surgery. Regarding the clinical evolution 17 patients remained stable, 5 presented spontaneous regression and 2 died. Conclusions: Rhabdomyoma is a rare benign tumor, its evolution can be malignant and associated with TS, it darkens the prognosis.

Sirolimus Can Increase the Disappearance Rate of Cardiac Rhabdomyomas Associated with Tuberous Sclerosis: A Prospective Cohort and Self-Controlled Case Series Study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and safety of sirolimus in the treatment of cardiac rhabdomyomas associated with tuberous sclerosis complex and the specific benefits in different subgroups. STUDY DESIGN: The study was a prospective cohort and self-controlled case series study. Based on the prevalence of cardiac rhabdomyoma at different ages, we estimated the natural tumor disappearance rate. The subgroup analysis was done by Cox regression. Self-controlled case series method was used to assess the magnitude and duration of the drug effect. Adverse events were described. RESULTS: A total of 217 patients were included in the cohort study. Tumor disappearance rate was higher in younger age groups (hazard ratio = 0.99, P = .027) and female patients (hazard ratio = 2.08, P = .015). The age-adjusted incidence ratio showed that the disappearance of rhabdomyomas between 3 and 6 months was more related to sirolimus. Adverse events were observed 60 times in 42 of 217 children, mainly stomatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Sirolimus can increase the disappearance rate of cardiac rhabdomyoma in the tuberous sclerosis complex population. Efficacy varies by sex and age: female and younger patients have higher tumor disappearance rate. Sirolimus is well-tolerated.

Everolimus for severe arrhythmias in tuberous sclerosis complex related cardiac rhabdomyomas.

Intracardiac rhabdomyoma is the most common primary cardiac tumor in children. Most cases are associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Most of them are asymptomatic in the neonate and do not require treatment. However, some develop cardiovascular symptoms such as arrhythmias, heart failure, and ventricular inflow/outflow tract obstruction in the neonatal period with early death. Many of these tumors are not candidates for surgical resection and medical management is limited. Treatment with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor is currently approved for the management of central nervous tumors and angiomyolipoma in TSC. Two patients with malignant arrhythmias related to nonsurgical multiple rhabdomyomas associated with TSC who were successfully treated with an mTOR inhibitor were described. Everolimus therapy showed significant regression of rhabdomyomas with rapid improvement of arrhythmias and heart failure prior to tumor shrinkage.

Perinatal unusual rhabdomyoma location - case report and systematic reviews of the literature.

Objective: To report a case of prenatal diagnosis of cardiac rhabdomyoma (CR) and neonatal surgical treatment as well as undertaking a systematic review of the literature to determine most frequent localization of CR, common signs and symptoms, associated pathologies, incidence of surgery, and prognoses for CR.Methods: We conducted systematic review of the literature on CR that were diagnosed and treated in the perinatal period, searching for English language articles in the PubMed/Medline database that were published within the past 20 years, using the following search terms: "cardiac rhabdomyoma"; "neonates"; "newborn"; "surgery".Results: Eighty-two studies were selected, but only 46 studies met the inclusion criteria. After birth, the majority of newborns were asymptomatic; however, murmurs and arrhythmia were also the two most prevalent signs of CR. The most prevalent location was the ventricles, corresponding to 40.3% of all cases, with 53% of these having a rhabdomyoma in the left ventricle. The incidence of multiple tumors was 56%, and in those cases the location of tumors was also most common in the ventricles. Tuberous sclerosis was the most commonly associated pathology, being present in 72% of cases of CR. Surgical treatment occurred in 27% of cases, and 3% of cases required surgery and prostaglandin. Regarding the perinatal outcome, 6% of cases resulted in fetal or neonatal death.Conclusion: CR are benign tumors which tend to spontaneously regress during early childhood but may have unfavorable outcomes in the presence of obstructive lesions and arrhythmias. Surgery is generally necessary in symptomatic patients.

[Importance of heart rabdomioma in pediatric population. A 39 year experience. Case series]. / Importancia del rabdomioma cardiaco en población pediátrica. Experiencia de 39 años. Serie de casos.

Introducción: Los rabdomiomas son los tumores cardiacos benignos más prevalentes en la etapa fetal y durante la infancia. Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo es dar a conocer nuestra experiencia durante 39 años en pacientes pediátricos con rabdomioma en nuestra institución, así como enfatizar la importancia de su detección, estudio y control por la asociación que tiene con esclerosis tuberosa (ET). Material y métodos: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo, de enero de 1980 a marzo del 2018. Veinticuatro cumplieron con nuestros criterios, recogimos información respecto a la clínica y estudios de gabinete, así como su evolución y el tratamiento dado. Se les llamó vía telefónica para conocer su evolución y estado actual. Resultados: Encontramos 51 pacientes con diagnóstico de tumor cardiaco, de los cuales 24 eran rabdomiomas. El diagnóstico se hizo prenatal en 8 pacientes, 5 al nacimiento y en 11 durante el primer año de vida. Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron la presencia de soplo, arritmias, cianosis, disnea y diaforesis. En 17 de ellos se hizo diagnóstico de ET. La mitad tuvo seguimiento por neurología, 10 por dermatología, 8 por oftalmología y 4 con genética. La mitad se dejó en vigilancia, a 7 se les dio tratamiento médico y 5 requirieron cirugía. En cuanto a la evolución, 17 pacientes se mantuvieron estables, 5 presentaron regresión espontánea y 2 fallecieron. Conclusiones: El rabdomioma es un tumor benigno poco frecuente, su evolución puede ser maligna y asociado a ET ensombrece el pronóstico.

Rabdomioma intracardiaco: presentación clínica y opciones terapéuticas actuales a propósito de tres casos / Cardiac rhabdomyoma: Clinical presentation of three cases and current therapeutic options

Resumen Hasta hace algunas décadas los tumores cardiacos tenían solo un interés académico dada su baja tasa de presentación; sin embargo, con el advenimiento del baipás cardiopulmonar, el manejo quirúrgico comienza a ser posible y, más recientemente, junto con la investigación farmacológica, contribuyen al desarrollo de nuevas estrategias de tratamiento para estos pacientes. La incidencia estimada de los tumores cardiacos es baja y tiene un comportamiento generalmente benigno y manifestaciones clínicas inespecíficas. Estos tumores en la edad pediátrica se asocian a esclerosis tuberosa, una enfermedad de patrón de herencia autosómica dominante que se caracteriza por una alteración en la diferenciación y multiplicación celular (hamartomas) en diferentes sistemas. Desde el punto de vista cardiaco, el grado de morbilidad está condicionado por el tamaño y la localización tumoral dentro de la cavidad, y tiene riesgo de obstruir los tractos de salida ventriculares, alterar la función valvular o producir trastornos de conducción. Algunos pacientes solo requieren seguimiento clínico durante el transcurso de su vida, pero existe la posibilidad de regresión tumoral; otros se benefician de una resección quirúrgica por su impacto hemodinámico o alteraciones del ritmo cardiaco. Sin embargo, no todos son candidatos quirúrgicos, en cuyo caso el manejo con inhibidores m-TOR ha surgido como una alternativa terapéutica. Se presenta el caso de tres neonatos con esclerosis tuberosa y rabdomioma cardiaco, diagnosticados en etapa prenatal, a quienes se les realizó un abordaje terapéutico individualizado, basado en las opciones actuales disponibles para este grupo de pacientes.

Abstract Up to a few decades ago, cardiac tumours were only of academic interest given their low presentation rate. However, with the advances in cardiopulmonary, surgical management began to be possible, and more recently, they contribute to the development of new treatment strategies for these patients. The estimated incidence of cardiac tumours is low and are generally benign with non-specific clinical signs and symptoms. In paediatrics, these tumours are associated with tuberous sclerosis, a disease with a dominant autosomal inheritance pattern, which is characterised by an alteration in cell differentiation and multiplication (hamartomas) in different systems. From a cardiac point of view, the morbidity level is determined by the size and location of the tumour within the cavity, the risk of obstructing ventricular outflow tracts, alterations in valvular function, and conduction disorders. Some patients only require clinical follow-up all their lives, as there is the risk of tumour regression. Others may benefit from surgical resection due to its haemodynamic impact or changes in cardiac rhythm. However, not everyone is a candidate for surgery, in which case, management with m-TOR inhibitors has emerged as a therapeutic alternative. The case is presented on three neonates with tuberous sclerosis and a cardiac rhabdomyoma, diagnosed in the prenatal stage. An individualised therapeutic approach was made based on the current options available for this group of patients.

Hemorragia intracraniana en un feto con trisomia 21 y rabdomiomas cardiacos: diagnostico diferencial de esclerosis tuberosa: estudio antenatal a propósito de un caso / Intracranian hemorrhage in a fetus with trisomy 21 and cardiac rhabdomyomas: differential diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis: antenatal study regarding a case

INTRODUCCIÓN: El Síndrome de Down (SD) es una de las aneuploidías más frecuentes. En Chile, la incidencia es de 2.2 por 1000 nv. La esclerosis tuberosa (ET) es una enfermedad genética autosómica dominante con una prevalencia de 1:600 a 1:10.000 nacidos vivos (nv) que se sospecha prenatalmente por la presencia de rabdomiomas cardiacos. Los tumores cardiacos fetales tienen una prevalencia de 1:10000 nv, los más prevalentes son los Rabdomiomas. El hallazgo de tumores intracraneanos son infrecuentes, dentro del diagnóstico diferencial es necesario descartar la Hemorragia Intraventricular (HIV). CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 29 años, M2, Derivada a nuestro centro a las 27+4 semanas para evaluación ecográfica. Entre los hallazgos se encuentran tumores intracardiacos en ventrículo derecho y marcadores blandos para alto riesgo de aneuploidía, por lo que se realiza cariotipo (amniocentesis genética: 47, XX+21). A las 32+0 semanas en una nueva evaluación presenta imagen hiperecogénica sugerente de tumor intracerebral. Se solicita resonancia magnética fetal que informa hemorragia intraventricular (HIV). El parto ocurre con un recién nacido de término, fenotipo concordante con Trisomía 21, ecocardiograma confirma dos tumores intracardiacos (Rabdomiomas) y ecografía cerebral confirma el diagnóstico de HIV Grado III derecho. Ante el diagnóstico diferencial de ET, se realiza ANGIO-TAC que resulta negativo para ET. DISCUSIÓN: En la evaluación ecográfica antenatal, la presencia de tumores intracardiacos asociados a tumor cerebral hace plantear el diagnóstico de una ET. El diagnóstico antenatal de tumores cerebrales vs HIV por ultrasonido es difícil. La resonancia es un examen complementario de gran ayuda, permitiendo un diagnóstico de certeza. La HIV fetal es un diagnóstico poco frecuente de diagnostico prenatal asociado a feto con trisomia 21.

INTRODUCTION: Down Syndrome (DS) is one of the most frequent aneuploidies. In our country its incidence is 2.2 every 1000 newborns. Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a dominant autosomal genetic disease with a prevalence of 1:6000 to 1:10.000 newborns, this disease is suspected by the finding of cardiac rhabdomyomas. Rhabdomyomas are the most prevalent fetal heart tumors. Intracranial tumors are a rare prenatal finding in ultrasound the main differential diagnosis is Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH). The Objective of this paper is present a case report of a fetus with trisomy 21 plus rhabdomyomas and cranial tumors. CASE REPORT: 29 years old patient, referred for ultrasound at 27+4 week. Cardiac tumors and aneuploidy soft markers are found. Genetic amniocentesis is performed (Result: 47, XX+21). At 32+0 weeks ultrasound finding of intracranial tumor. Fetal MRI was performed which reports suspected IVH. Confirmed postnatally. Baby was delivered at term. Neonatal findings: Trisomy 21 phenotype, Echocardiogram with two cardiac tumors (Rhabdomyomas), neonatal brain ultrasound confirms Grade III - IVH. To rule out TS, an Angio-CT is performed which is negative for the disease. DISCUSSION: Cardiac Tumors associated to brain tumors in antenatal period make TS a possible diagnosis. Differentiate brain tumors and IVH by ultrasound is very difficult. MRI is a very helpful tool for an accurate diagnostic. IVH is a rare antenatal diagnosis. Not reported before in a baby with trisomy 21.

Everolimus for cardiac rhabdomyomas in children with tuberous sclerosis. The ORACLE study protocol (everOlimus for caRdiac rhAbdomyomas in tuberous sCLErosis): a randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase II trial.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberous sclerosis complex is a rare genetic disorder leading to the growth of hamartomas in multiple organs, including cardiac rhabdomyomas. Children with symptomatic cardiac rhabdomyoma require frequent admissions to intensive care units, have major complications, namely, arrhythmias, cardiac outflow tract obstruction and heart failure, affecting the quality of life and taking on high healthcare cost. Currently, there is no standard pharmacological treatment for this condition, and the management includes a conservative approach and supportive care. Everolimus has shown positive effects on subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, renal angiomyolipoma and refractory seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex. However, evidence supporting efficacy in symptomatic cardiac rhabdomyoma is limited to case reports. The ORACLE trial is the first randomised clinical trial assessing the efficacy of everolimus as a specific therapy for symptomatic cardiac rhabdomyoma. METHODS: ORACLE is a phase II, prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre protocol trial. A total of 40 children with symptomatic cardiac rhabdomyoma secondary to tuberous sclerosis complex will be randomised to receive oral everolimus or placebo for 3 months. The primary outcome is 50% or more reduction in the tumour size related to baseline. As secondary outcomes we include the presence of arrhythmias, pericardial effusion, intracardiac obstruction, adverse events, progression of tumour reduction and effect on heart failure. CONCLUSIONS: ORACLE protocol addresses a relevant unmet need in children with tuberous sclerosis complex and cardiac rhabdomyoma. The results of the trial will potentially support the first evidence-based therapy for this condition.

A Mass Causing Right Ventricular Outflow Obstruction - A Dreadful Complication.

The most common cardiac tumour in the pediatric age group is rhabdomyoma. These are usually located in the ventricles, either in the ventricular septum or free wall. Cardiac tumours in early infancy may lead to severely compromised blood flow due to inflow or outflow tract obstruction. The diagnosis of cardiac rhabdomyoma can be established by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Rhabdomyomas have a natural history of spontaneous regression; surgical intervention is reserved for patients with symptoms of severe obstruction or hemodynamic instability. In this study, a case of two-year old child who presented with failure to thrive and underwent excision of pedunculated mass from the right ventricular outflow tract was reported.

Multiple cardiac rhabdomyomas in tuberous sclerosis complex: case report and review of the literature

Cardiac rhabdomyoma is a benign tumor which constitutes the most common cardiovascular feature of the tuberous sclerosis complex, a multisystem genetically determined neurocutaneous disorder. Cardiac rhabdomyomas can be detected in the prenatal ultrasound, are usually asymptomatic and spontaneously regress within the first three years of life. Less often, the tumors' size, number, and location can produce a mass effect that may lead to blood flow abnormalities or organ dysfunction (heart failure and arrhythmia). In this setting, severe morbidity, and eventually, a lethal outcome despite clinical and surgical treatment may ensue. We describe a fatal case of multiple cardiac rhabdomyomas in a newborn girl. One of the rhabdomyomas was large and unfavorably located, causing significant obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract. The autopsy identified, in addition to cardiac rhabdomyomas, brain glioneuronal hamartomas (cortical tubers), subependymal nodules and subependymal giant cell tumors, characteristic of the tuberous sclerosis complex. The newborn's family was investigated for the presence of typical clinical symptoms of the complex and image findings showed significant phenotypical variations and a broad symptom spectrum among the family members. This interesting case underscores the variability of tuberous sclerosis complex and the importance of performing a comprehensive postmortem examination in the identification of the cause of death, especially in the setting of familial disease.