Atypical Intracavitary Cardiac Mass: Tumor or Thrombus?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Cardiac masses are rare, often thrombi or vegetations, but tumors require differentiation.
• Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and CT are established for mass characterization.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management.

Observation:

• This case report focuses on contrast perfusion imaging via echocardiography.
• Transesophageal echocardiography with contrast effectively identified cardiac mass etiology.
• This method was used as an alternative to CMR and cardiac CT.

Findings:

• Contrast perfusion echocardiography accurately differentiated cardiac mass types.
• This technique provided diagnostic information without requiring CMR or CT.
• Significant cost savings ($100-$1207) were observed compared to advanced imaging.

Implications:

• Echocardiography with contrast offers a cost-effective diagnostic tool for cardiac masses.
• This approach enhances diagnostic capabilities in smaller facilities with limited resources.
• It facilitates timely diagnosis and management of cardiac masses, improving patient outcomes.