OBJECTIVE: To identify cardiac metastases in a patient with a squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and to clarify the relationship between cardiac metastases and sudden death. STUDY DESIGN: Autopsy and retrospective chart review for a patient. METHODS: We studied a Japanese patient who suddenly died after the operation and radiation therapy, despite an absence of thanatoid symptoms. We performed a subsequent autopsy. RESULTS: The patient had four metastatic lesions in the heart, one of which was in the septum and infiltrated the region around the conducting system of the heart. CONCLUSION: Cardiac metastasis of tongue cancer may cause sudden death.
OBJECTIVE: To identify cardiac metastases in a patient with a squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and to clarify the relationship between cardiac metastases and sudden death. STUDY DESIGN: Autopsy and retrospective chart review for a patient. METHODS: We studied a Japanese patient who suddenly died after the operation and radiation therapy, despite an absence of thanatoid symptoms. We performed a subsequent autopsy. RESULTS: The patient had four metastatic lesions in the heart, one of which was in the septum and infiltrated the region around the conducting system of the heart. CONCLUSION:Cardiac metastasis of tongue cancer may cause sudden death.