Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor with valvular involvement: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract Background Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) of the heart is extremely rare with unpredictable clinical expression. IMTs, characterized by spindle cells, plasma cells, and a polymorphic inflammatory infiltrate, have a predilection for children and young adults. Clinically, IMT mimics malignancy, making a definitive diagnosis difficult, prior to histopathological examination. Methods and results We describe a case of an intracardiac IMT in a 69-year-old woman. Histopathological examination of excised specimens revealed a marked, polymorphic, infiltrate of lymphocytes and plasma cells. Conclusions Cardiac IMTs are benign lesions with favorable prognosis. Herein, we present this case, along with a review of all cardiac IMTs published after the last review in 2002, with emphasis on clinical, pathologic, and immunohistochemical features.