Cardiac and Pericardial Neoplasms in Children: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Primary cardiac and pericardial neoplasms are rare in children.
• Benign tumors include rhabdomyomas and fibromas; malignant tumors include soft-tissue sarcomas.
• Metastatic lesions are more common than primary cardiac tumors in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnosis, imaging characteristics, and management of primary cardiac and pericardial neoplasms in pediatric patients.
• To highlight the importance of noninvasive cardiac imaging in differentiating benign from malignant tumors.
• To discuss treatment strategies based on tumor type and clinical presentation.

Main Methods:

• Review of noninvasive cardiac imaging modalities including echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and CT.
• Correlation of imaging findings with pathologic basis of neoplasms.
• Analysis of treatment outcomes for various cardiac tumors.

Main Results:

• Echocardiography is the primary diagnostic tool, with MRI and CT providing further characterization.
• Imaging appearances vary based on the underlying neoplasm, aiding in differentiation.
• Treatment ranges from conservative management (e.g., rhabdomyoma regression) to surgical resection for symptomatic or malignant lesions.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis and characterization of pediatric cardiac tumors are crucial for appropriate management.
• Noninvasive imaging plays a vital role in differentiating benign from malignant lesions.
• Timely and tailored treatment, considering tumor biology and patient status, improves outcomes.