Role of Three-Tesla Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Cardiac Masses

Cardiac masses, though uncommon, pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Accurate differentiation between benign and malignant masses is essential for appropriate management. Three-Tesla cardiac magnetic resonance (3T CMR) imaging offers superior soft tissue characterization and higher spatial resolution, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

To evaluate the diagnostic utility of 3T CMR in assessing cardiac masses, including mass characterization, associated findings, and agreement with echocardiography.

This prospective observational study was conducted at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Pune, from February 2023 to July 2025. Twenty patients with cardiac masses identified on echocardiography underwent 3T CMR. Data collected included demographic details, clinical profiles, CMR findings, and comparative analysis with two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography.

Thrombi were the most common mass (50%), followed by myxomas (20%). Masses most frequently involved the left ventricle and right atrium. Most masses were ill-defined and T1 hypointense. CMR identified pericardial effusion and myocardial infarction in 20% each. Agreement between 2D echo and CMR was moderate.

3T CMR is a valuable imaging modality in evaluating cardiac masses, providing comprehensive tissue characterization and detection of associated findings that impact management.