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Cardiac manifestations of noncardiac tumors. Part II: Direct effects
B A Weinberg1, D J Conces, B F Waller
1Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis.
Abstract:
Cardiac manifestations of secondary tumors of the heart exert their effects directly by endocardial, myocardial, epicardial or cavitary deposits (metastatic lesions); indirectly via tumor products such as carcinoma; or mediated by therapy (chemotherapy, radiation) to treat the primary neoplasm. Part II of this review summarizes certain direct effects of noncardiac tumors on the heart including superior and inferior vena cava syndromes, pulmonary artery and vein obstruction or compression, myocardial implants, and intracavitary metastases. Many of these direct effects may be noninvasively diagnosed by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and/or two-dimensional echocardiography.
Insights
Secondary heart tumors can directly impact the heart through various deposits or indirectly via tumor products and treatments. Advanced imaging techniques aid in diagnosing these cardiac effects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Secondary tumors of the heart arise from noncardiac primary neoplasms.
- Cardiac involvement can occur through direct tumor spread, systemic effects, or treatment complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the direct effects of noncardiac tumors on the heart.
- To highlight diagnostic modalities for cardiac metastases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on direct cardiac manifestations of secondary tumors.
- Discussion of imaging findings from computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiography.
Main Results:
- Direct effects include endocardial, myocardial, epicardial, and cavitary deposits (metastatic lesions).
- Superior and inferior vena cava syndromes, pulmonary vessel obstruction, myocardial implants, and intracavitary metastases are discussed.
- Noninvasive imaging modalities are effective in diagnosing these cardiac conditions.
Conclusions:
- Secondary cardiac tumors present diverse direct effects on the heart.
- Computed tomography, MRI, and echocardiography are crucial for noninvasive diagnosis of cardiac metastases.