Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of cardiac blood cysts

Cardiac blood cysts (BCs) are rare benign cardiac masses. This study aimed to summarize the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with BCs.

This retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with BC between 2009 and 2021 at a single center in China. Their clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, management, and outcomes at follow-up are summarized.

The study population comprised 26 patients with BCs with a mean age of 40 ± 19 years (median, 42 years; range, 27-56 years). The cohort was predominantly male (16, 62%). Twenty-two (81%) patients were symptomatic: dyspnea or exertional dyspnea (11, 42%) and palpitations (6, 23%) were the most frequent symptoms. Most cysts appeared as single round, oval, or lobulated anechoic masses, measuring 4-30 mm (mean, 18 mm). Half of the BCs (13, 50%) were pedunculated and mobile, and the others swung with the movement of the valve. The mitral valve (13, 50%) was the most common site of occurrence, followed by the tricuspid valve (6, 23%), right atrium (4, 15%), and aortic valve (3, 12%). Contrast echocardiography, which was performed for two patients, revealed a closed cyst without bubbles. Five cases were complicated by left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and six by valve prolapse. Eighteen patients underwent surgery, and one received antiplatelet therapy. Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events did not occur in any patient during the follow-up period.

Cardiac BCs are most commonly attached to the atrioventricular valve. Echocardiography is considered to be the most useful imaging modality for assessing BC. The management of patients with BC should be individualized based on the symptoms and associated complications.