Advanced cardiac imaging techniques assist in characterizing a cardiac mass and directing management

Echocardiography. 2017 Nov;34(11):1744-1746. doi: 10.1111/echo.13719.

Abstract

Advanced imaging techniques, including contrast echocardiography and CMR, provided valuable characterization and evaluation of a boy with an unusual cardiac mass. Imaging features assisted with differentiation of benign from malignant etiology and excluding thrombus. Accurate imaging techniques saved our patient risks associated with unnecessary surgery or anticoagulation. The ability to accurately define size serially assisted in guiding expectant management. He died from a noncardiac cause at age 28, and autopsy demonstrated a hamartoma of mature cardiac myocytes.

Keywords: cardiac imaging; cardiac magnetic resonance imaging; cardiac tumor; echocardiography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autopsy
  • Cardiac Imaging Techniques / methods
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography / methods*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Hamartoma / diagnosis*
  • Heart Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myocytes, Cardiac