[Cardiac tumors]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Cardiac tumors are rare, with metastases being the most frequent type, yet often unrecognized.
• Primary cardiac tumors are predominantly benign, while malignant tumors require prompt diagnosis and management.
• Distinguishing cardiac tumors from thrombi and pseudotumors (e.g., tuberculoma, hydatid cyst) is a key diagnostic challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of imaging in the diagnosis and characterization of cardiac and pericardial tumors.
• To differentiate between primary and secondary cardiac tumors and benign versus malignant lesions.
• To highlight the utility of various imaging modalities in evaluating these conditions.

Main Methods:

• Echocardiography as the primary imaging modality for initial detection.
• Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for detailed characterization and differential diagnosis.
• Review of clinical presentations and imaging features of common cardiac tumors, including myxoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, and metastases.

Main Results:

• Left atrial myxoma is the most common benign cardiac tumor, often pedunculated and sometimes calcified.
• Sarcoma is the most frequent primary malignant cardiac tumor, typically presenting as a sessile, infiltrative mass.
• Metastases and lymphoma are often identified by known primary tumors elsewhere or characteristic contiguous spread.
• Diagnosing primary and secondary pericardial tumors presents significant challenges.

Conclusions:

• Imaging plays a vital role in the diagnosis, characterization, and presurgical evaluation of cardiac and pericardial tumors.
• A multi-modality imaging approach (echocardiography, CT, MRI) is essential for accurate diagnosis.
• Timely and accurate diagnosis through imaging impacts patient management and follow-up strategies.