Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Cardiac Masses

Background

Cardiac tumors are extremely rare; however, when there is clinical suspicion,proper diagnostic evaluation is necessary to plan the most appropriate treatment.In this context, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) plays animportant role, allowing a comprehensive characterization of such lesions.

Objective

To review cases referred to a CMRI Department for investigation of cardiac andparacardiac masses. To describe the positive case series with a brief review ofthe literature for each type of lesion and the role of cardiovascular magneticresonance imaging in evaluation.

Methods

Between August 2008 and December 2011, all cases referred for CMRI with suspicionof tumor involving the heart were reviewed. Cases with positive histopathologicaldiagnosis, clinical evolution or therapeutic response compatible with the clinicalsuspicion and imaging findings were selected.

Results

Among the 13 cases included in our study, eight (62%) had histopathologicalconfirmation. We describe five benign tumors (myxomas, rhabdomyoma and fibromas),five malignancies (sarcoma, lymphoma, Richter syndrome involving the heart andmetastatic disease) and three non-neoplastic lesions (pericardial cyst,intracardiac thrombus and infectious vegetation).

Conclusion

CMRI plays an important role in the evaluation of cardiac masses of non-neoplasticand neoplastic origin, contributing to a more accurate diagnosis in a noninvasivemanner and assisting in treatment planning, allowing safe clinical follow-up withgood reproducibility.