• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.37-42
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• 2024

This case report discusses the successful surgical resection of cardiac hemangiosarcoma in a dog using an articulated surgical stapler. Cardiac tumors, particularly hemangiosarcomas, have a poor prognosis. Recommended treatment involves surgical removal of the primary tumor, along with chemotherapy. However, the use of staples for cardiac tumor resection has not yet been extensively documented in the veterinary literature. A 10-year-old dachshund with pericardial effusion underwent surgery to remove a right atrial mass. An articulated linear cutting stapler was used for tumor resection. The patient experienced chylothorax as a complication but recovered well. However, the patient later developed respiratory symptoms and died, most likely due to aspiration pneumonia. The surgical stapler provided stability, convenience, and a shorter surgical time during tumor resection. Surgical resection combined with chemotherapy improves the survival of dogs with cardiac hemangiosarcoma. The stability and adjustability of the stapling device make it advantageous for cardiac tumor resection. Although complications, such as chylothorax, can arise, appropriate management can lead to positive outcomes. This case report demonstrates the feasibility and safety of using an articulated surgical stapler for cardiac tumor resection in dogs. Insights from this case can guide future research and clinical practice.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.494-498
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• 2001

Primary cardiac tumors are rare, and primary malignant cardiac tumors are even rarer. Of these, angiosarcoma was uncommon, Surgical resection of the tumor was very difficult because symptoms were nonspecific and did not become present until the tumor had advanced. A 15-year-old male patient was diagnosed with primary cardiac angiosarcoma by microscopic examination under surgery and underwent resection of the tumor, which compressed and obstructed the right atrium. He was discharged from the hospital after 15 days without any problems.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.120-123
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• 2012

We detected two cases of right atrial angiosarcoma that had a similar appearance on imaging studies. Although the surgical findings were similar for the two patients, one had a clear resection margin, while the other had tumor cells in the resection margin on frozen biopsy. We suggest that preoperative data on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in patients with angiosarcomas may not predict the exact extent of surgical resection or prognostic outcomes.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.170-177
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• 2024

An adult male dog was presented for hemorrhagic pericardial effusion. Echocardiography and computed tomography revealed nodule-like lesions on the pericardium. Cytology of pericardial effusion and excisional pericardial lesions indicated neoplastic effusion. Histopathology indicated an inflamed neoplasm with a primary differential diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma and malignant mesothelioma (MM). Immunohistochemistry showed that atypical cells were positive for cytokeratin and vimentin, but negative for CD31, strongly favoring pericardial MM. Postoperative NT-proBNP level remained increased, which led to the administration of epirubicin to minimize potential cardiotoxicity. During the 4 cycles of epirubicin treatment, a total cumulative dose of 108 mg/m² was administrated and no effusion recurrence was observed. After a month post-completion of chemotherapy, however, pleural effusion was detected with cardiac masses. The owner requested no further diagnostic investigations and chemotherapy. Due to deteriorating conditions, the dog died 132 days after the first presentation. Our case is the first notable attempt to treat canine malignant mesothelioma with epirubicin, providing the clinicopathologic, diagnostic routine, and clinical course of the affected dog.