What is the treatment for cardiac rhabdomyoma?

What is the treatment for cardiac rhabdomyoma?

Cardiac rhabdomyomas usually go away on their own and don’t need treatment. Most of the time, the tumors reach their largest size when a baby is born. After that point, the tumors get smaller on their own and don’t cause any problems.

Rarely, cardiac rhabdomyomas need treatment because they disrupt heart function. Sometimes this happens during pregnancy. In this case, the birthing parent may need to take medication that makes the tumor smaller.

Sometimes problems happen after birth. If the tumor or cluster of tumors hasn’t gone away or grows in size, it can disrupt your child’s heart function. This can lead to heart failure or arrhythmia.

If this happens, your child may need medications including:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
• Diuretics.
• Anti-arrhythmic medication.

Your provider will discuss treatment options with you and help you choose the best plan for your child. Surgery is rarely needed.