Growth of hepatocellular carcinoma into the right atrium. Report of five cases.

Five patients had hepatocellular carcinoma growing into the right atrium. Clinically, all patients had edema in the legs, venous dilatation in the abdominal wall, ascites, and dyspnea. Paroxysmal aggravation of dyspnea and its alleviation by a left decubitus position were noted in three patients. Three patients developed shock after a change in posture. A gallop rhythm in the cardiac murmur was detected in two. Pathologically, all livers had hepatocellular carcinoma and macronodular cirrhosis. At autopsy, a tumor thrombus was found that completely occluded the right hepatic vein and extended into the inferior vena cava and right atrium, partially occluding the inferior vena cava. Antemortem diagnosis of right atrial tumor thrombi in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma is difficult, but the condition should be suspected when dyspnea, abnormal cardiac sounds, and shock develop.