Echocardiographic Evaluation of Intracardiac Masses

Abstract

Echocardiography plays a fundamental role in the evaluation of patients with an intracardiac mass. The ability to distinguish tissue characteristics, location, attachment, shape, size, and mobility non-invasively, quickly, and without the use of ionizing radiation makes echocardiography the ideal diagnostic modality. With careful attention to mass location and morphology, and appropriate application of clinical information, echocardiography can usually distinguish between the three principal intracardiac masses: tumor, thrombus, and vegetation. Equivocal transthoracic findings typically indicate the need for a transesophageal evaluation, during which the atria and great vessels might be better imaged. Surgical intervention is often indicated based on possible echocardiographic findings, without the need for additional time-consuming procedures. This review will focus on cardiac tumors.