The case of a cardiac mass is presented to discuss the importance of complementary studies prior to surgical intervention. A 57-year-old patient with no medical history was admitted with heart failure and an echocardiographic finding of a cardiac mass in the left atrium that generated severe mitral stenosis; Initially, due to location and characteristics suggesting myxoma. Patient evolved with heart failure refractory to treatment requiring emergency surgery. A mass adhered to the roof of the left atrium was observed, with infiltration of both superior pulmonary veins and the anterior mitral leaflet, performing its resection and valve replacement. During the postoperative period presented vasoplegia and subsequent death; pathology was compatible with high-grade sarcoma. In conclusion, an exhaustive study should be carried out complementing multiple images in the event of a cardiac mass being found prior to surgical resection to plan a correct approach, situation that was not possible in this case.

Mateo Anquiz completed his medical studies at the Universidad Libre (Cali, Colombia) and specialized in clinical cardiology at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has served as medical coordinator of the coronary unit of the Anchorena Clinic, Argentina. He is member of the Argentine Society of Cardiology and has been serving as a member of the Cardio metabolism Council in the networking area.