Leukemic infiltrates of the heart: CT findings

H P McAdams1, P S Schaefer, V N Ghaed

  • 1Department of Radiology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001.

Insights

Metastatic disease to the heart, especially from leukemia, is increasingly recognized. This case highlights how computed tomography (CT) aids in diagnosing and managing massive cardiac leukemic infiltrates in patients with leukemia.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Oncology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Primary cardiac tumors are rare, but metastatic disease to the heart is more common.
  • Leukemia frequently metastasizes to the heart, posing a diagnostic and management challenge.
  • Increased patient survival in leukemia necessitates a greater focus on its cardiac complications.

Observation:

  • A case of massive cardiac leukemic infiltrates is presented.
  • Computed tomography (CT) played a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of this patient.
  • The study reviews relevant pathological and radiological features of cardiac leukemic infiltrates.

Findings:

  • Cardiac leukemic infiltrates can present as massive masses within the heart.
  • CT imaging is instrumental in identifying and characterizing these infiltrates.
  • Early diagnosis and management are critical for patient outcomes.

Implications:

  • Recognizing cardiac involvement in leukemia is vital for comprehensive patient care.
  • CT imaging should be considered in leukemic patients with suspected cardiac complications.
  • Further research into the management of cardiac leukemic infiltrates may improve survival rates.

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...