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Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Various findings of cardiac thrombi on MDCT and MRI
Dong Hun Kim1, Sang Il Choi, Jung-Ah Choi
1Department of Radiology, Chosun University, College of Medicine, Korea.
Insights
Peripheral emboli indicate potential cardiac thrombus, a clot within the heart. This study details imaging features of cardiac thrombus using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Peripheral emboli suggest an underlying cardiac source, necessitating cardiac evaluation.
- Echocardiography is the primary diagnostic tool, but advanced imaging offers complementary insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the diverse appearances of cardiac thrombus on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- To highlight specific CT and MRI findings associated with various cardiac thrombus presentations.
Main Methods:
- Review of CT and MRI scans demonstrating cardiac thrombus.
- Correlation of imaging findings with clinical contexts such as myocardial infarction and mitral stenosis.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of mural thrombus post-myocardial infarction.
- Identification of left atrial appendage thrombus in mitral stenosis.
- Examples of thrombus-mimicking lesions, including calcified thrombus and moderator band abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- CT and MRI are valuable for characterizing cardiac thrombus and differentiating it from other cardiac masses.
- Recognizing specific imaging patterns aids in accurate diagnosis and management of cardiac thrombus.
Abstract:
Cardiac thrombus accompanies risk for peripheral embolization, either into the systemic circulation (from the left heart) or into the pulmonary arteries (right heart). In fact, the presence of peripheral emboli should prompt the search for a source within the heart. Echocardiography is the present technique of choice. Also, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging may provide additional information. In this article, we will demonstrate various features of cardiac thrombus on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging such as mural thrombus after myocardial infarction, thrombus at left atrial appendage in patients with mitral stenosis, thrombus mimicking tumor, organized thrombus containing calcification at left atrium, and compact moderator band mimicking thrombus.
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