Multimodality Imaging in the Evaluation of Intracardiac Masses

Abstract

Intracardiac masses are classified as neoplastic or non-neoplastic. Prognosis varies based on the diagnosis of the mass since treatment options differ greatly. As novel imaging techniques emerge, a multimodality approach to the evaluation of intracardiac masses becomes an important part of non-invasive evaluation prior to potential surgical planning or oncological treatment. The purpose of this article is to compare the available imaging modalities—echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, cardiac computed tomography, nuclear imaging, and emerging novel hybrid imaging techniques for future clinical applications—and to review the characteristic features seen on those modalities for the most common intracardiac masses.