CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX CARDIAC MASSES
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX CARDIAC MASSES
Introduction Imaging Techniques and Protocols Echocardiography Cross-Sectional Imaging
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Cardiac masses are a relatively uncommon entity which can be classified as either a tumor or tumorlike condition. The prevalence of cardiac tumors is low, estimated at zero point zero zero two percent to zero point zero three percent on autopsy series. In fact, many of the cardiac lesions detected are usually tumorlike lesions, with thrombus representing most cases. Cardiac tumors can be further classified as primary or secondary, with secondary tumors due to metastatic disease being twenty to forty times more common than primary cardiac tumors. While the classification of these lesions into benign or malignant entities is an important prognostic factor, any cardiac tumor or tumorlike condition can cause significant morbidity or mortality by causing embolic, arrhythmogenic, or obstructive manifestations. Advances in cardiac imaging, particularly cross-sectional imaging, have significantly expanded the role of imaging in the evaluation of these lesions.