CT diagnosis of cardiac rhabdomyoma in childhood

Abstract

Objective To investigate the CT findings of cardiac rhabdomyoma in childhood. Methods Five children with cardiac rhabdomyoma confirmed by operation was retrospectively analysed. Enhanced electron beam CT (EBCT) was performed in 4 children and enhanced 64-slice helical CT (MSCT) scan was performed in 1 infant. Three dimensional reconstruction was applied for the full display of the lesions based on the transverse section images. Results ( 1 ) Multiple masses or nodules originated from atrioventricular septum were observed in 4 children including 1 nodule from the anterior walls of the left and right ventricles. A mass was derived from the mitral valve in 1 infant (2) The CT value of the lesions after enhancement ranged from 80 to 180 HU and was similar to neighbouring left ventricular myocardium. (3) The ventricular outlet obstruction was found in 3 children including 1 infant with pericardial effusion and pulmonary inflamation of the right lower lobe. Conclusion The rhabdomyoma should be considered first when masses or nodules originated from atrioventricular septum and with the enhancement similar to neigbouring left ventricular myocardium in children. Key words: Heart neoplasms; Rhabdomyoma; Child; Tomography, X-ray computed