Primary malignant cardiac tumors: Sex-related therapy and multidisciplinary approach as a new challenge for the future

Cardiac computed tomography for cardiac masses: a necessity or a luxury?

Cardiac masses present a considerable diagnostic challenge because of their diverse causes and potential clinical implications. Traditional imaging methods, such as transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography, are crucial for initial assessments owing to their accessibility, but they have a major limitation represented by inter-operator variability. Therefore, cardiac computed tomography (CT) has become an indispensable adjunct, providing detailed anatomical information and tissue characterization. This review examines the prevalence, categorization and diagnostic benefits of cardiac CT in the evaluation of cardiac masses. The high-resolution imaging and multiplanar features of cardiac CT allow in-depth assessment of the structure, location and enhancement patterns of masses, helping to distinguish benign from malignant masses and guide clinical decision-making. Specific imaging features of benign and malignant tumors, as well as non-neoplastic masses, are discussed, highlighting the role of CT in overall cardiac assessment. This article highlights the importance of CT in surgical preparation, risk assessment and ongoing monitoring, and highlights its effect on improving patients' outcomes. With continued advances in CT technology, the integration of this modality into routine clinical practice should improve the accuracy of diagnosis and management of cardiac masses, strengthening the essential role of cardiac CT as a vital component of contemporary cardiovascular imaging.

Cardiac metastasis from small cell lung cancer origin: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Cardiac metastasis from small cell lung cancer (SCLC) origin is rare, whereas the incidence is anticipated to increase with the extended survival rates.

CASE

We here describe a case report of a 48-year-old male patient diagnosis with SCLC in 2020. In June 2021, he resorted to hospital due to shortness of breath, no obvious changes were found in repeated echocardiography, electrocardiogram and chest computer tomography from June 2021 to September 2021. Due to the persistence of the complaints, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was performed in September 30th, 2021, which showed a mass in the right atrioventricular groove. The patient underwent pericardiocentesis and small cell carcinoma cells were found in the pericardial effusion, confirming the diagnosis of cardiac metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a history of SCLC who develop new cardiac symptoms of unknown etiology should undergo imaging studies such as CMR. The importance of CMR for patients with SCLC is highlighted. The literature regarding metastatic cardiac tumors is reviewed.