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Cardiac tumors and thrombus: evaluation with MR imaging
A S Gomes1, J F Lois, J S Child
1Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine 90024.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging aids in diagnosing cardiac and pericardial masses. MR imaging is valuable alongside two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography, especially when echocardiography results are unclear or inadequate.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Diagnostic Radiology
Background:
- Cardiac and pericardial masses require accurate diagnosis.
- Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography is a primary imaging modality.
- Limitations of 2D echocardiography can impact diagnostic certainty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging in diagnosing cardiac and pericardial masses.
- To compare the diagnostic performance of MR imaging with 2D echocardiography.
- To assess MR imaging's role when 2D echocardiography is inconclusive.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 30 patients with suspected cardiac or pericardial masses.
- Utilized MR imaging, 2D echocardiography, and CT scans for diagnosis.
- Confirmed diagnoses through biopsy, surgery, or definitive imaging findings.
Main Results:
- 18 out of 30 patients (60%) had confirmed mass lesions (14 soft-tissue/tumors, 4 thrombi).
- MR imaging and 2D echocardiography agreed in 65% of 26 paired studies.
- MR imaging provided definitive diagnoses in all cases where 2D echocardiography was equivocal (7 patients) or unavailable (4 patients).
Conclusions:
- MR imaging is a valuable tool for diagnosing cardiac and pericardial mass lesions.
- MR imaging enhances diagnostic certainty when used in conjunction with 2D echocardiography.
- MR imaging is particularly useful in cases with equivocal or inadequate 2D echocardiography findings.