Imaging of Cardiac Masses

Abstract

Studying cardiac masses is one of the most challenging tasks for cardiac imagers. The aim of this review article is to focus on the modern imaging of cardiac masses proceeding through the most frequent ones. Cardiac benign masses such as myxoma, cardiac papillary fibroelastoma, rhabdomyoma, lipoma, and hemangioma are browsed considering the usefulness of most common cardiovascular imaging tools, such as ultrasound techniques, cardiac computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and in the diagnostic process. In the same way, the most frequent malignant cardiac masses, such as angiosarcoma and metastases, are highlighted. Then, the article browses through nontumoral masses such as cysts, mitral caseous degenerative formations, thrombi, and vegetations, highlighting the differential diagnosis between them. In addition, the article helps in recognizing anatomic normal variants that should not be misdiagnosed as pathological entities.

Epicardial cavernous haemangioma; A case report of a unique incidental finding

“…Cardiac CT gives insights into local invasion, while MRI reveals vascularization and haemodynamic effects of the tumour. 12 A definite diagnosis can be confirmed by histopathology. Coronary angiography was performed to assess any feeding arteries.…”

IGG4‐related giant lymphoproliferative‐inflammatory left atrial mass

“…Echocardiographic evaluation can detect the morphology, localization, mobility, and hemodynamic effects of the mass, and it is recommended as the first-line imaging method in non-invasive evaluation. 16 Cardiac computed tomography provides imaging with high-resolution thin sections. Computed tomography is very useful in surgical intervention planning, especially in patients who require resection, by allowing the location of the mass, its relationship with surrounding tissues, and especially the evaluation of coronary arteries.…”

“…Diagnosing and managing cardiac masses in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients can be challenging. Echocardiographic evaluation can detect the morphology, localization, mobility, and hemodynamic effects of the mass, and it is recommended as the first‐line imaging method in non‐invasive evaluation 16 . Cardiac computed tomography provides imaging with high‐resolution thin sections.…”

Superior vena cava and tricuspid valve tumoral thrombosis in a 54‐year‐old female with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma: A rare case report

“…13 One of the useful and non-invasive methods for detecting heart metastases is echocardiography. 14 In spite of lower sensitivity and specificity of TTE in comparison with TEE, it is an appropriate initial modality for evaluating and providing useful information. In our study, the initial evaluation with TTE was not able to accurately diagnose cardiac metastasis.…”