Cardiac Masses Research Articles

Prominent crista terminalis mimicking a right atrial mass: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

The crista terminalis is an anatomical structure localized on the posterolateral wall of the right atrium (RA). We performed a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis concerning cases of unusual prominent crista terminalis mimicking RA mass. Moreover, we described the differential diagnosis of cardiac masses with the use of echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). We also emphasize the potential importance of this structure in electrophysiological procedures, including its role in exaggerated arrhythmias. Prominent crista terminalis may be a potential obstacle during invasive cardiac procedures or catheter ablation target. In analyzed cases, the crista terminalis was often erroneously interpreted as pathologic and at first confused with a thrombus or tumor during transthoracic echocardiography examination. The correct final diagnoses were mostly made with used transesophageal echocardiography or CMR. The most important imaging findings suggestive of prominent crista terminalis rather than tumor were a similar echogenicity/intensity with adjacent myocardium, the location on posterolateral wall of the RA, the phasic change in size, and no enhancement after contrast injection. We describe up to date and detailed imaging features for the differential diagnostics of selected intracardiac masses using various imaging techniques, including multimodality cardiac imaging. Familiarity with the anatomy and the imaging findings of the prominent crista terminalis will reduce misdiagnosis and avoid additional tests and unwarranted clinical interventions, while in patients considered for invasive cardiac procedures it might increase their efficacy and safety.

Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma with Multiple Cardiac Masses.

Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma with Multiple Cardiac Masses.

Primary left ventricular leiomyosarcoma: a case report

Cardiac leiomyosarcomas are a rare subset of the already infrequent, primary malignant cardiac neoplasia spectrum. The most common site for a primary leiomyosarcoma of the ventricle is on the right with fewer than five globally reported cases in the left ventricle. Most present with non-specific symptoms but attention is usually sought after the appearance of compressive symptoms or arrhythmias. We present a case of a left ventricular leiomyosarcoma in a 50-year old female patient that had a delayed diagnosis and its subsequent surgical resection and oncological management with docetaxel and gemcitabine. This case highlights the need for a high index of suspicion for cardiac masses especially if there are competing chronic diseases with similar symptomatology. Given the rare presentation of left ventricular leiomyosarcomas, case reports may provide valuable information that is otherwise unavailable.

Masas cardiacas: diagnóstico, pronóstico y tratamiento

Cardiac masses encompass a heterogeneous set of pathologies (benign tumors, malignant neoplasms and other entities such as thrombus or vegetations) with a diverse presentation (from asymptomatic cases in which the mass is discovered incidentally to limiting symptoms). An accurate diagnosis is essential in order to guide an individualized therapeutic plan. Evaluation based on multimodal imaging techniques plays a key role in this aspect as it allows a non-invasive and detailed study of each lesion, avoiding the need for a biopsy in many cases. Treatment of cardiac masses is individualized and depends on their nature, clinical impact and patient characteristics. The prognosis of non-tumoral pathology and benign neoplasms is favorable in the majority of patients. This is not the case, however, in malignancies: mortality rate is still very high despite advances in therapy.

Collection of cardiac masses. Up‐to‐date echocardiography and cardiac MRI tools

AbstractHeart masses, including tumors (primary and secondary) and pseudotumor (cysts and thrombus), are rare entities, but of increasing interest in cardiac imaging areas. The clinical manifestations are related to the intracardiac effect of mass, embolization, and systemic symptoms in the case of tumors; however, some of them are detected incidentally. Nowadays, imaging techniques and the advancement of their tools perform the morphological, functional, and tissue characterization of the masses, and additionally know the anatomical relationships, which are crucial factors for the treatment and surgical planning.

The usefulness of contrast echocardiography in the evaluation of cardiac masses: a multicenter study

BackgroundCardiac masses can encompass a variety of conditions, such as tumors, thrombi, vegetations, calcific lesions, and other rare diseases. Treatment and management of these types of cardiac masses differ considerably. Thus, accurately distinguishing among thrombi, benign tumors, and malignant tumors in the heart is of great importance. Contrast echocardiography (CE) has emerged as a promising technology. Although published guidelines suggest that CE can enhance image quality and assist in differentiating between benign and malignant lesions, most studies on CE diagnosis of cardiac masses are limited to case reports or retrospective/small-sample-sized prospective cohorts. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CE in patients with suspected cardiac masses and address the insufficient evidence for differential diagnosis using CE.MethodsBetween April 2018 and July 2022, a prospective multicenter study was conducted, which included 145 consecutive patients suspected to have cardiac masses based on transthoracic echocardiography. All patients underwent CE examinations. The echocardiographic diagnosis relied on qualitative factors such as echogenicity, boundary, morphology of the base, mass perfusion, pericardial effusion, and motility as well as quantitative factors such as the area of the masses and the peak intensity ratio of the masses to adjacent myocardium (A1/A2).ResultsThe final confirmed diagnoses were as follows: 2 patients had no cardiac mass, 4 patients had pseudomass, 43 patients had thrombus, 66 patients had benign tumors, and 30 patients had malignant tumors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that an optimal A1/A2 cutoff value of 0.499 distinguished a cardiac tumor from a thrombus, with AUC, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 0.977, 97.9%, 90.7%, 95.9%, and 95.1%, respectively. The optimal A1/A2 cutoff value of 1.583 distinguished a cardiac tumor from a thrombus, with AUC, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 0.950, 93.3%, 93.9%, 87.5%, and 96.9%, respectively.ConclusionsCombined with qualitative and quantitative analyses, CE has the potential to accurately differentiate among different types of cardiac masses.

Kiosk 3Q-TA-05 - Features of CMR to Distinguish Cardiac Masses in a Patient with Metastatic Melanoma

Kiosk 3Q-TA-05 - Features of CMR to Distinguish Cardiac Masses in a Patient with Metastatic Melanoma

Cardiac Masses and Pseudomasses: An Overview about Diagnostic Imaging and Clinical Background.

A cardiac lesion detected at ultrasonography might turn out to be a normal structure, a benign tumor or rarely a malignancy, and lesion characterization is very important to appropriately manage the lesion itself. The exact relationship of the mass with coronary arteries and the knowledge of possible concomitant coronary artery disease are necessary preoperative information. Moreover, the increasingly performed coronary CT angiography to evaluate non-invasively coronary artery disease leads to a rising number of incidental findings. Therefore, CT and MRI are frequently performed imaging modalities when echocardiography is deemed insufficient to evaluate a lesion. A brief comprehensive overview about diagnostic radiological imaging and the clinical background of cardiac masses and pseudomasses is reported.

Diagnostic agreement between echocardiography and second-level imaging techniques in patients with cardiac masses

Abstract Background Cardiac masses (CMs) are a diagnostic dilemma in clinical practice and require multimodality imaging to assess malignancy, which is essential to guide the proper treatment. Aim To define diagnostic accuracy and agreement between echocardiographic features and second-level imaging techniques (cardiac computed tomography – CCT or cardiac magnetic resonance – CMR) in patients with CMs. Methods All consecutive patients with histologically confirmed cardiac masses from January 2004 to December 2020, undergoing CCT and/or CMR after echocardiographic assessment were enrolled. Six echocardiographic variables, namely infiltration, polylobate mass, moderate-severe pericardial effusion, inhomogeneity, sessile and non-left localization, were used to predict malignancy. Patients with more than 3 of these features were considered at higher risk of malignancy. For the patients before 2017, the choice of which second-level imaging to perform was up to the clinical cardiologist. Since 2017, the has been the result of a multidisciplinary discussion by the Heart Team. A definitive diagnosis was achieved by histological examination or, in the case of cardiac thrombi, with radiological evidence of thrombus resolution after an appropriate anticoagulant treatment. The echo-vs-CCT agreement and echo-vs-CMR agreement were evaluated. Accuracy indicators (sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, Cohen’s Kappa coefficient) were calculated by standard formulas. Results Out of 249 patients with histologically confirmed CM, 138 underwent a CCT and 112 a CMR, after the standard echocardiographic assessment. A complete agreement between the echocardiographic assignment (using the cut-off of 3 parameters as a marker for malignancy) and CCT was reached in 104 out of 138 cases (75.4%), ranging from 85.1 to 70.3% for benign and malignant cardiac masses, respectively. On the other side, the agreement between the echocardiographic assignment and CMR report was in 93 out of 112 cases (83%), ranging from 88.7 to 82% for benign and malignant cardiac masses. The agreement between these imaging techniques expressed as Cohen’s κ was higher for echocardiography versus CMR (k=0.73), compared to echocardiography versus CCT (k=0.61). These results were also confirmed by the higher diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography versus CMR compared to echocardiography versus CCT (87% vs 80%), with best values of sensitivity, and specificity, denoting good reliability between the first 2 techniques. Conclusions A multimodal imaging approach is mandatory in the diagnostic work-up of CMs. The CMR, after a standard echocardiographic assessment, turned out to be the most accurate second-level investigation to discriminate between benign and malignant masses. However, when CMR is not available or the patient has a contraindication, the CCT could still be reliable.

Suspected cardiac masses evaluation with cardiac magnetic resonance : histological correlation and clinical outcomes

Abstract Background Cardiac masses are an heterogeneous group of very rare formations, representing a major diagnostic challenge given the difficulty in assessing their nature through imaging examinations. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) is a noninvasive key diagnostic tool providing anatomical, functional, and tissue characteristic information. However, data validating this imaging approach are limited. Purpose analyze the clinical and CMR features of patients with benign and malignant tumors and thrombus; asses the diagnostic accuracy of CMR in comparison with the histologic examination; evaluate the prognostic rule of clinical and CMR features in predicting the primary endpoint of all cause mortality. Methods 92 Patients undergoing CMR for suspected cardiac mass between June 2004 and January 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with no mass 8 (9%) or pseudo-mass 11 (12%) were excluded. Based on CMR images, masses were divided into benign tumor, malignant tumor, and thrombus. Clinical, CMR and histological data were collected. Results 73 patients (mean age: 62±15; 51% female) with masses were finally enrolled, 27 (37%) with a diagnosis at CMR of benign tumor, 22 (30%) with malignant tumor, and 24 (33%) with thrombus. Several clinical and CMR variables were significantly associated with one type of mass rather than another. Among clinical variables the history of malignancy and smoking were seen in patients with malignant tumors (p<0,002) while dyspnea and chest pain were significantly found in patients with thrombi (p<0,016). Among CMR features high size, infiltration, pericardial repeats, pericardial effusion, signal inhomogeneity, First Pass Perfusion (FPP) and Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE) were associated with malignant masses (p=0.001), while reduced pre-contrast visualization, altered kinetics, low ejection fraction (EF) and long-TI were observed in thrombi (p=0.001). CMR was accurate in 91.2% (31/34) of patients in comparison with the histological examination. Accuracy for benign tumors was 91.3% (AUC=0.913), for malignant tumors 94% (AUC=0.940) and for thrombi 83% (AUC=0.833). Patients diagnosed at CMR with thrombus had similar mortality as those with benign tumor (p=0,678) while patients with malignant lesions had higher mortality (HR: 4.98 [95% CI: 1.11-22.2], p=0,035). Regardless of diagnosis at CMR, age, tumor history, mass size, signal inhomogeneity, presence of FPP, pericardial effusion, and pericardial repeats were found to predict long-term mortality (p<0.017). Conclusions Although CMR has high diagnostic accuracy, histologic examination remains the diagnostic gold standard in determining the type of cardiac mass. CMR is additionally useful in predicting the outcome and manage the clinical course of patients with suspected cardiac masses.

Autopsy findings and cardiac arrest rhythms in young obese patients with sudden cardiac death of uncertain etiology

Abstract Background Obesity is associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) which can be particularly devastating in young adults. In a significant proportion of SCD cases in the young, a specific cause cannot be identified. Purpose The aim of this retrospective analysis was to describe the demographics, pathological changes and cardiac arrest rhythm in young obese individuals with SCD of otherwise unknown etiology. Methods Between July 2000 and December 2018, the National Coronial Information System (NCIS) identified cases of young obese (body mass index ≥ 30) individuals with SCD between 17-35 years of age (SCD-obesity). Autopsy reports of individuals with SCD where known causes had been excluded were compared to 2 matched control cohorts of death due to motor vehicle accidents (MVA) (first group matched for age, sex, height and weight (MVA-BMI-matched) and second group matched for age and sex (MVA-age-matched)). Additionally, electrocardiographic rhythms at cardiac arrest were obtained through state-wide ambulance services for SCD-obesity individuals. Results We identified 409 cases of SCD in young obese individuals, of which 94 cases met the inclusion criteria (figure 1). Mean age was 28.44±5.6 years (range 17-35). SCD-obesity individuals were commonly males (71%). SCD-obesity individuals had significantly higher cardiac masses (521g vs 417g, p<0.001) compared to the MVA-BMI-matched cohort. SCD-obesity individuals also had significantly increased left ventricular wall thickness (15.6mm vs 13.5mm, p<0.001) and increased rates of left ventricular fibrosis (73% vs 52%, p=0.045) compared to the MVA-BMI-matched cohort. ECG rhythm strips were available for 71 (72%) SCD-obesity cases, of which 16 (23%) were unwitnessed. Asystole was noted on 7 (46.67%) of witnessed cases, and 6 (40%) had a ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation (figure 2). Conclusions SCD-obesity individuals had increased cardiac organ masses, left ventricular wall thickness and cardiac fibrosis. The cardiac arrest rhythm recorded in witnessed cases were predominantly asystole and ventricular arrythmia. Future studies are needed to determine the pathological mechanisms explaining these abnormalities in young obese sufferers of SCD.Figure 1:Case identificationFigure 2:Results

Multimodality imaging in cardiac masses

Abstract Background Cardiac masses (CM) are an extremely heterogeneous clinical scenario, including benign and malignant neoformations. After a first echocardiographic assessment, Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT) together with Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) and 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (18- FDG-PET) represent second line and third-line imaging techniques to determine the nature of the mass. However, data regarding their diagnostic performance and a standardized imaging algorithm are lacking. Purpose To evaluate the different roles of CCT, CMR, and PET in defining the nature of CMs and to propose an evidence-based, stepwise, diagnostic approach. Materials and methods Out of 312 patients with suspected mass from January 2000 and August 2022, we enrolled 87 patients who underwent CCT, CMR and 18-FDG-PET within a month from the initial evaluation. A definitive diagnosis was achieved by histological examination or, in case of cardiac thrombi, with radiological evidence of thrombus resolution after an appropriate anticoagulant treatment. For each imaging technique, we identified a model with the strongest predictors of malignancy at multivariate analysis and evaluated their ability to discriminate between benign and malignant neoformations. A multiple model with forwarding selection was performed to identify the strongest predictors of malignancy at CCT, CMR and 18-FDG-PET. Results CCT model included 4 variables (irregular margins, mass dimension, invasiveness, and not-hypodense lesion) with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.972, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.94-1.0; CMR model included 3 parameters (invasiveness, pericardial effusion and irregular margins, AUC 0.976 with 95% CI 0.95-1.0); PET model included only cardiac maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUVmax), with an AUC 0.87 (95% CI 0.74-0.971). When implemented with SUVmax, CCT and CMR models showed only a slight improvement in their discrimination ability (AUC 0.975 and 0.986, respectively). No statistical difference was observed between CCT and CMR models regarding their discrimination ability (AUC 0.972 vs 0.976, p=0.26). However, on a multiple model with forwarding selection evaluating CCT, CMR and PET variables, only the 3 MR parameters remained significant predictors of malignancy. Conclusion After a first echocardiographic assessment, the application of the CMR model may be the most accurate second-level investigation to discriminate between benign and malignant lesions. When CMR is not available, or the patient has contraindications to CMR, the CCT model performs similarly, and 18-FDG-PET provides a negligible advantage.

Sex-related disparities in cardiac masses: clinical features and outcomes

Abstract Background Cardiac masses (CM) represent a heterogeneous clinical scenario. Sex-related differences of these patients remain to be established. Purpose: To evaluate sex-related disparities in CMs regarding clinical presentation and outcomes. Material and Methods Thestudy cohort included 321 consecutive patients with cardiac mass enrolled in our Centre between 2004 and 2022. A definitive diagnosis was achieved by histological examination or, in case of cardiac thrombi, with radiological evidence of thrombus resolution after anticoagulant treatment. All-cause death at follow-up was evaluated. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to assess potential prognostic disparities between men and women. Results Out of 321 patients with CM, 172 (54%) were female. Women were more frequently younger (p=0.02) than men. Regarding CM histotypes, females were more frequently affected by benign masses (with cardiac myxoma above all), while metastases were more common in men (p<0.001). At presentation, peripheral embolism occurred predominantly in women (p=0.03). Echocardiographic features such as greater dimension, irregular margin, infiltration, sessile mass and immobility were far more common in men. Despite a better overall survival in women, no sex-related differences were observed in the prognosis of benign or malignant masses. In fact, at multivariate analyses, sex was not independently associated with all-cause death. Conversely, age, smoking habit, malignancy and peripheral embolism resulted independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion In a large cohort of heart masses, a significant sex-related difference in histotype prevalence was found: benign CMs affected female patients more frequently, while malignant tumours affected predominantly men. Despite better overall survival in women, sex does not influence prognosis in benign and malignant masses.

Abstract 18215: The Silent Intruder Unveiled: A Case of Renal Malignancy Presenting as Cardiac Mass

Background: Cardiac mass is a space-occupying lesion within the cardiac cavity. Its differential diagnosis includes thrombus, vegetation or tumor. Diagnosis is on imaging. Primary cardiac tumors are benign, solitary masses attached by a stalk in the atria. Carcinomas are metastatic from direct invasion or hematogenous spread. Right-sided cardiac masses present with shortness of breath, fatigue, syncope, and night sweats. We discuss a patient with a right atrial (RA) mass as the presenting sign of renal malignancy. Case: A middle-aged female with no prior cardiac history presented to the hospital with complaints of shortness of breath. On presentation, the patient was hemodynamically stable. Echocardiogram showed a 4.9 x 2.9cm mobile RA mass heterogeneous in texture and attached to the interatrial septum with a narrow stalk. Further views showed that the RA mass continued into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and filled it entirely. A CT scan abdomen demonstrated a heterogeneous mass involving the left kidney extending from the left renal vein into the IVC and ultimately extending up to the RA. Given the high suspicion of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a biopsy was offered however the patient declined further workup. Discussion: RCC can invade through the renal vein into the IVC and involve the right heart. Cavoatrial tumor thrombus extension is seen in 1% of RCC. In this case, the RA mass was the first step in the diagnosis of renal malignancy. It is imperative to assess for the extension of a RA mass into the IVC as it has diagnostic implications. Treatment is resection performed on cardiopulmonary bypass for intracardiac exploration and preventing embolization.

Abstract 14125: Tricuspid Mass- Solving a Curious Case of Li-Fraumeni Syndrome

Background: Primary cardiac tumors are extremely rare (0.001-0.03%), but can have significant embolic, obstructive, and arrhythmic consequences. Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is an autosomal dominant genetic syndrome characterized by multiple malignancies, including osteosarcomas, CNS tumors, and adrenocortical, breast, and soft tissue sarcomas. We report diagnostic challenges of a patient with Li-Fraumeni syndrome found to have tricuspid valve mass and atrial septal defects. Case: 30-year-old female with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (ovarian cancer at 6 years,osteosarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma at 16 years, bilateral breast cancer at 26 years) found to have a tricuspid valve leaflet mass, as well as two atrial septal defects on surveillance echocardiography. There was concern for a primary cardiac tumor such as sarcoma or rhabdomyoma. She underwent surgical resection with biopsy showing organized mural thrombus. Decision making: Li-Fraumeni syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant cancer-predisposing syndrome, which can present with various tumor types. Cardiac tumors are extremely rare and have been limited to case reports. Although multimodality imaging is now more readily available, some cases remain diagnostic challenges if imaging is non-conclusive, histopathological studies remain the gold standard. In our case, the mass demonstrated mild enhancement in the post-gadolinium images suggestive for primary cardiac tumor versus a secondary metastatic cancer (Figure). A histopathological analysis by surgical resection demonstrated an organized thrombus. Conclusion: Diagnosis of cardiac masses in the setting of hereditary cancer syndromes such as LFS are rare and remain a challenge given the increased likelihood of primary or metastatic lesions. When imaging is inconclusive, further invasive investigations are warranted since it can alter the clinical management.

Abstract 18571: Fetal Sirolimus Therapy for Giant Cardiac Rhabdomyoma

Background: Cardiac rhabdomyomas in tuberous sclerosis regress spontaneously, large masses can cause hemodynamic compromise. Fetal sirolimus therapy cause regression. We report a case of successful fetal therapy in mother with fetally diagnosed tuberous sclerosis (TS). Case: A 22 year old female with uncomplicated pregnancy and negative cardiac history presented for fetal echocardiogram at 21 weeks due to cardiac masses. Fetal echocardiogram: levocardia, normal segmental cardiac anatomy, d-looped ventricles, normally related great arteries. Multiple masses seen in both ventricles, largest in LV free wall from base to apex and another involving mitral papillary muscle, no initial obstruction, patent ductal and aortic arches. Amniocentesis confirmed diagnosis of TS. Fetus was followed with serial monitoring of cardiac outputs and size of masses. At 30 weeks, LV mass had doubled from 1.7 to 4 cm with LV diastolic dysfunction and reduced cavity size, large pericardial effusion, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). IVC was mildly dilated with liver enlargement. Fetal MRI confirmed diagnosis of rhabdomyoma with small subependymal nodules. Given LVOTO and large effusion, mother was started on sirolimus therapy with loading dose of 5 mg and subsequent dose adjustments for target trough sirolimus of 10 to 15 ng/ml. Serial mother monitored with labs, weekly ultrasounds and echocardiograms. Mass decreased in size with resolution of effusion and LVOTO. At 37 weeks, due to oligohydramnios, baby was delivered without hemodynamic compromise. Postnatally no LVOTO and normal systolic function with mass measuring ~ 2.0 cm. Baby has been followed off sirolimus therapy. Role of Imaging: Serial echocardiograms enabled optimal decision making to treat mother with sirolimus therapy. Conclusions: Maternal sirolimus therapy can help regress cardiac rhabdomyomas with hemodynamic implications with serial close outpatient monitoring.

Abstract 17445: Near Occlusion of the Tricuspid Valve By Metastatic Melanoma

Introduction: Metastatic tumors to the heart can have varied clinical presentations depending on location. We present a case of right atrial (RA) metastatic melanoma with near obstruction of the tricuspid valve resulting in significant hypoxia. Case Presentation: A 34-year-old man with a history of retinoblastoma and astrocytoma presented to the emergency department with 2 weeks of progressively worsening shortness of breath. On examination he was hypoxic and in respiratory distress. Computed tomography of the chest with contrast showed a large hypoattenuating homogeneous mass in the RA that protruded into the right ventricle and extended to the superior and inferior vena cavae. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed a large (9.1 x 4.6 cm) echodensity filling the RA and almost completely obstructing the tricuspid valve. Due to worsening hypoxia, the patient underwent palliative surgical resection of the mass. Intraoperatively, the mass was densely adherent to all walls of the RA. Surgical pathology identified the mass as metastatic malignant melanoma. The patient was started on pembrolizumab and discharged home in stable condition. At his 1-month follow-up, his symptoms had improved and he had returned to work. Discussion: Metastases to the heart are more common than primary cardiac tumors. Left-sided cardiac masses are commonly benign, whereas right-sided masses raise suspicion for metastatic disease. Melanoma, lymphoma, leukemia, and breast and lung cancers commonly metastasize to the heart. The size of the RA mass in this patient was significant enough to cause hypoxia and near occlusion of the tricuspid valve. Successful palliative resection of the mass resulted in a large improvement in symptoms. Conclusion: As the incidence of malignant melanoma increases, clinicians need to have a high index of suspicion for cardiac metastasis. Early identification of cardiac metastasis is critical as these cases can often be associated with poor prognosis.

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Cardiac Masses.

Cardiac masses encompass a broad range of etiologies and are often initially revealed by echocardiography. The differential may change depending on the location of the mass and patients' medical history or presentation. It is important for clinicians to be aware of subtle visual characteristics on echocardiography in order to correctly diagnose the pathology. Patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiography and were found to have one or more cardiac masses between January 1, 2020, and May 15, 2023, were reviewed. Their demographic data, clinical presentation, medical history, imaging, and follow-up information were collected from hospital electronic medical records, de-identified, and used to complete this review paper. A detailed review of cardiac masses divided by cardiac chamber accompanied by real-world echocardiographic images from patients in a large inner city public hospital. We hope that this systematic review of cardiac masses with real-world echocardiographic images will help clinicians note subtle echocardiographic characteristics to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac masses.

Role of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in cardiac myxomas: an imaging challenge.

Nowadays, the diagnosis of cardiac myxomas (CM), particularly the histological types, remains a challenge. Two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic (TT) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography (ECHO) represent the first steps in the imaging pathway. 3D ECHO, implemented in imaging practice, appears to be an emerging diagnostic technique that overcomes some of the limitations of 2D ECHO while integrating the information provided by magnetic resonance (MRI). However, its role in the imaging arena is still debatable. Analyzing 17 myxomas in 13 patients, the study uncovers a diverse anatomical spectrum. Classical CM morphology is a minority, with most myxomas being sessile and originating from unexpected locations (right ventricular outflow tract and left atrial appendage). Texture and size variations are also noted. Comparing imaging, 2D TEE outperforms 2D TT in visualizing anatomical features, especially attachment types. 3D TEE confirms 2D TT findings and offers more detailed assessments, identifying peduncles missed in four cases by 2D TEE. Two small recurrent myxomas were exclusively detected by 3D TEE, not by 2D TEE or MRI. Two patients have papillary myxomas, one has an embolism. Another patient with a solid myxoma also suffers an embolism, with a clot found at the apex during surgery. Our study showed that CM has a wide anatomical spectrum beyond the typical features, making the diagnosis challenging. Therefore, a multimodality imaging approach is essential for distinguishing CM from other cardiac masses and differentiating myxoma histological types. These findings stress the importance of incorporating 3D ECHO alongside other imaging techniques for a comprehensive evaluation.

Cardiac masses and the role of imaging in their diagnostic

Abstract Objectives Myxomas are the most common primary tumors of the adult heart and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intracavitary cardiac masses, along with thrombi and vegetations. Methods We report a case of a 64-year-old obese, hypertensive woman, who presented with dyspnea on moderate exertion as well as fatigue. The patient was admitted to our hospital after the discovery on transthoracic echocardiography of an intracardiac mass, which was highly suggestive for a left atrial myxoma. Results On admission, the patient presents no abnormalities on physical exam, with blood tests showing only slight deviations in the lipid profile. The ECG presents a normal sinus rhythm of 80/min with two premature ventricular contractions and a premature atrial contraction. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed the presence of a well-defined, pediculated, left atrial mass attached to the interatrial septum, measuring 25/17 mm, with no apparent interference in mitral valve motion. We supplemented our investigations with the use of transesophageal echocardiography which further defined the dimensions and location of the tumor, while also showing the presence of an atrial septal aneurysm associated to two small atrial septal defects measuring 6 mm and 7 mm respectively, with a left to right shunt. Cardiac CT examination confirmed the benign aspect of the mass and offered important anatomical elements, useful in preoperative planning. The patient was, therefore, admitted to our Cardiovascular Surgery department, where a successful surgical resection of the tumor was performed, without any local or systemic complications. The differential diagnosis of this mass included intracavitary thrombi, vegetations, as well as other histological subtypes of benign or malignant tumors, while the presence of an atrial septal defect, which represents a possible source of paradoxical emboli, provided an additional challenge. Conclusions This complicated case stands out due to its particular echocardiographic appearance and emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive evaluation in both the differential diagnosis and preoperative assessment.