Esophageal Cancer With Cardiac Metastasis: Approach to Cardiac Masses in Patients With a Known Malignancy

Cardiac metastases occur in a significant proportion of cancer patients and profoundly affect clinical outcomes and management strategies, especially in esophageal cancer, where the metastasis typically targets the left heart due to its unique lymphatic spread. Diagnostic imaging is crucial for patients with cardiac symptoms or electrocardiogram (EKG) changes, as it significantly influences treatment decisions, including the operability of the primary tumor and the risks associated with left-sided metastasis, such as the potential for embolization leading to stroke. This case report provides a detailed analysis of esophageal cancer metastasizing to the left atrium, highlighting diagnostic challenges and discussing the appearance of cardiac metastasis across various imaging modalities. The report examines the advantages and limitations of each imaging technique, offering insights into their roles in accurate diagnosis and effective management in complex clinical scenarios.