Rare Merkel cell carcinoma cardiac involvement: A case of cystic metastasis to the left heart

JAAD Case Reports 2026 Open access

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Authors: Abiha Kazmi, Jenna Zudell, Elif Yakut, Zakaria Alameddine, Serge Somrov, Eugene A. Grossi, David Schwartz, Liao Guanghong, Andrea Nadine Leaf
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2026.01.059
Cited by: 0
References: 9

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy that commonly affects the elderly, affects males more than females, and carries a poor prognosis.1 In United States cohorts, MCC is associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) integrated into the host genome in approximately 80% of cases, while the remaining MCPyV-negative cases arise in a background of ultraviolet radiation-associated DNA damage, though the opposite trend is noted in Australia, demonstrating regional differences in the significance of these factors in carcinogenesis.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Polyomavirus and related diseases Cardiac tumors and thrombi Metastasis and carcinoma case studies

Publication details

Journal / source
JAAD Case Reports
Volume
71
Pages
150–153
Publication date
17 February 2026
Language
EN