Multimodality Imaging of Cardiac Myxomas.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Cardiac myxomas are the most common benign cardiac neoplasms.
• Echocardiography is the primary tool for initial cardiac mass assessment.
• Further imaging is crucial for definitive diagnosis and characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cardiac myxoma characteristics using multimodality imaging.
• To provide guidance on differentiating myxomas from other cardiac masses.

Main Methods:

• Echocardiography for initial detection (location, size, mobility).
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) for tissue characterization and invasion assessment.
• 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with CT for metabolic evaluation in select cases.

Main Results:

• Myxomas typically present in the atria, often left atrium, attached to the interatrial septum.
• CT offers wide availability and speed; MRI provides superior soft-tissue resolution.
• Differential diagnoses include physiological structures, thrombi, and other tumors.

Conclusions:

• Multimodality imaging is essential for accurate cardiac myxoma diagnosis.
• Understanding imaging characteristics aids in differentiating myxomas from other cardiac masses.
• Strategic use of echocardiography, CT, MRI, and PET-CT optimizes patient management.