Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 27, 2025

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
06:29

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques

Published on: June 11, 2019

10.5K

[Cardiac masses: classification, clinical features and diagnostic approach]

Francesco Angeli1, Michele Fabrizio1, Pasquale Paolisso2

  • 1U.O. Cardiologia, Policlinico Sant'Orsola-Malpighi IRCCS, Bologna.

Giornale Italiano Di Cardiologia (2006)
|September 28, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing cardiac masses requires a multi-step, non-invasive approach. Echocardiography is the first step, followed by advanced imaging like cardiac CT or MRI for better characterization and malignancy assessment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Cardiac masses encompass tumors, metastases, and pseudotumors like thrombi and vegetations.
  • While primary cardiac tumors are rare, secondary masses and pseudotumors are more common.
  • A standardized non-invasive diagnostic pathway for cardiac masses is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review non-invasive diagnostic techniques for cardiac masses.
  • To discuss the capabilities and limitations of each imaging modality.
  • To propose a practical diagnostic algorithm for clinical use.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of non-invasive diagnostic techniques for cardiac masses.
  • Analysis of echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography (CT), cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT).
  • Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy and tissue characterization for various cardiac masses.

Main Results:

  • Echocardiography is effective for identifying thrombi, vegetations, and some tumors (e.g., myxoma, fibroelastoma).
  • Advanced imaging (CT, CMR) offers better tissue characterization and malignancy assessment.
  • A comprehensive non-invasive approach can potentially diagnose malignancy without histology, guiding therapy.

Conclusions:

  • A stepwise diagnostic approach utilizing multiple non-invasive imaging modalities is crucial for cardiac masses.
  • Advanced imaging techniques like CT and CMR are essential for characterizing masses and assessing malignancy.
  • Establishing a clear diagnostic pathway improves patient management and therapeutic strategies for cardiac masses.

More Related Videos

In Vivo, Percutaneous, Needle Based, Optical Coherence Tomography of Renal Masses09:31

In Vivo, Percutaneous, Needle Based, Optical Coherence Tomography of Renal Masses

Published on: March 30, 2015

8.9K
Isolation and Characterization of Cardiac Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Endomyocardial Bioptic Samples of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy Patients09:16

Isolation and Characterization of Cardiac Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Endomyocardial Bioptic Samples of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy Patients

Published on: February 28, 2018

7.8K

Related Concept Videos

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...
31
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
41
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
37
Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a valvular heart disorder in which the mitral valve fails to close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward into the heart. Understanding the clinical manifestations, assessment, diagnostic findings, and medical management of MR is crucial to effectively managing affected patients.Clinical Manifestations of Mitral RegurgitationMitral regurgitation can be acute or chronic, each presenting differently and requiring different approaches:1. Acute Mitral...
40
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...
19
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...
46