Two-dimensional echocardiography of intracardiac masses: echo pattern-histopathology correlation

Two-dimensional echo patterns (EP) of 21 pathologically confirmed intra-cardiac masses (10 tumors, 6 thrombi and 5 vegetations) were correlated with histopathology. Three types of echo patterns were defined. Five tumors and 3 thrombi demonstrated a fine, speckled and uniform appearance (type AEP) and none had any hemorrhages or calcification on pathological examination. Three left atrial masses showed large and discrete echolucent areas (type B EP) and histopathological correlation revealed large hemorrhages in the tumors and a large area of clot lysis in the thrombus. Three tumors, 2 thrombi and 5 vegetations revealed either localized areas of bright echoes or appeared uniformly bright (type C EP) and on pathological examination, all had calcification and/or fibrosis. Two-dimensional echo patterns are useful in delineating some of the structural components of intracardiac masses.