Gadolinium utilization in the MR evaluation of cardiac paraganglioma

Primary cardiac tumors associated with genetic syndromes: a comprehensive review

Various cardiac tumors occur in the setting of a genetic syndrome such as myxomas in Carney complex and rhabdomyomas in tuberous sclerosis. Tumor biology can be different in syndromic forms, and on imaging children sometimes demonstrate additional manifestations of the underlying syndrome. We discuss the imaging appearance of cardiac tumors occurring in the framework of a genetic syndrome, the findings that suggest an underlying syndrome, and the impact on management.

Cardiac Paraganglioma

A rare case of cardiac paraganglioma in a 69-year-old man with coexisting coronary artery disease is reported. Diagnostic, operative, and pathological findings are presented. Although difficult, excision is the treatment of choice. Follow-up is warranted because of potential recurrence, especially in cases of incomplete resection.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Pericardial Disease and Cardiac Masses

MRI is known to be a superior modality for evaluating pericardial disease and masses because of its unmatched capacity for tissue characterization and high spatial resolution. New real-time sequences now complement the standard morphologic imaging of the pericardium with dynamic image acquisitions that also can provide hemodynamic information indicative of constriction. In the evaluation of masses, recently developed rapid imaging sequences have shortened examination times and improved lesion characterization. The full spectrum of pericardial disease and cardiac masses is reviewed, and the role of MRI explored.

CT and MR imaging of benign primary cardiac neoplasms with echocardiographic correlation

Benign primary cardiac neoplasms are rare but may cause significant morbidity and mortality. However, they are usually treatable and can often be diagnosed with echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Myxomas typically arise from the interatrial septum from a narrow base of attachment. Fibroelastomas are easily detected at echocardiography as small, mobile masses attached to valves by a short pedicle. Cardiac fibromas manifest as a large, noncontractile, solid mass in a ventricular wall at echocardiography and as a homogeneous mass with soft-tissue attenuation at CT. They are usually homogeneous and hypointense on T2-weighted MR images and isointense relative to muscle on T1-weighted images. Paragangliomas usually appear as large, echogenic left atrial masses at echocardiography and as circumscribed, heterogeneous masses with low attenuation at CT. These tumors are usually markedly hyperintense on T2-weighted MR images and iso- or hypointense relative to myocardium on T1-weighted images. Cardiac lipomas manifest at CT as homogeneous, low-attenuation masses in a cardiac chamber or in the pericardial space and demonstrate homogeneous increased signal intensity that decreases with fat-saturated sequences at T1-weighted MR imaging. Cardiac lymphangiomas manifest as cystic masses at echocardiography and typically demonstrate increased signal intensity at T1- and T2-weighted MR imaging. Familiarity with these imaging features and with the relative effectiveness of these modalities is essential for prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.