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Lung metastasis invading the left atrium--CT diagnosis
R Zissin1, M Shapiro-Feinberg, R Rachmani
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Sapir Medical Center, Meir General Hospital, Kfar Saba, Israel.
The British Journal of Radiology
|March 7, 2000
Summary
Metastatic colon cancer invading the left atrium caused cardiac tamponade. Contrast-enhanced CT imaging is crucial for diagnosing cardiac involvement in intrathoracic masses with heart disease symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma can present with rare intrathoracic manifestations.
- Cardiac tamponade is a critical condition requiring prompt diagnosis and intervention.
Observation:
- A patient presented with clinical signs of cardiac tamponade.
- The patient had metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma with invasion into the left atrium.
Findings:
- Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) clearly demonstrated the intracavitary extension of the tumor.
- CT imaging is valuable for evaluating intrathoracic masses.
Implications:
- Intravenous contrast medium is recommended for CT scans in patients with intrathoracic masses and symptoms of heart disease or pericardial effusion.
- CT plays a vital role in establishing the diagnosis of cardiac involvement by metastatic cancer.