Abstract Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is a rare and highly lethal neoplasm, whose nonspecific clinical presentation makes early diagnosis difficult. This article reports the case of an elderly patient, previously healthy, who experienced dizziness and syncope for four months before the discovery of a large tumor mass in the heart. Imaging exams, such as echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging, were crucial for tumor identification, and the biopsy confirmed it to be a B-cell lymphoma with high replication. However, given the […]

Abstract Background Cardiac tumors are rare, and most are secondary (metastatic) lesions. Primary tumors, though uncommon, are typically benign, with myxomas being the most frequent and occasionally displaying unique features. Diagnosis often requires multimodality imaging. Case summary A 41-year-old man with a history of ischemic stroke and resection of an apical left ventricular myxoma presented for evaluation after a follow-up transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed a mobile, ovoid apical lesion with high embolic risk, despite being asymptomatic. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) […]

Introduction Primary cardiac tumors are rare entities, approximately 75% of which are benign, with myxoma as the most common type., Only about 15% of primary cardiac tumors are malignant, predominantly sarcomas. In contrast, metastatic cardiac involvement is relatively frequent and has been identified in up to 9% of patients who died from cancer. Clinical manifestations are more closely related to tumor location than to histopathological classification. They may result from embolic phenomena, intracardiac obstruction with signs of heart failure (HF), […]

Introduction Atrial myxoma (AM) is the most common primary benign tumor affecting the heart. Its prevalence is rare, estimated at 0.03% in the general population. Surgical intervention should be introduced as soon as diagnosed due to the increased risk of cardiac complications, such as intracardiac obstructions or systemic embolizations. Cardiac myxomas are commonly observed in the left atrium in >75% of cases, predominantly attached with a stalk to the fossa ovalis (>90%). However, they can be seen in other locations […]

Abstract Cardiac masses, though rare, can lead to significant hemodynamic and arrhythmic issues, even if benign. Improved multimodal imaging has refined the diagnosis and understanding of these masses. We present an 85-year-old woman with New York Heart Association class II-III dyspnea for six months. Echocardiography showed a mass in the basal inferolateral wall of the left ventricle, along with severe left atrial dilation and moderate mitral regurgitation. Initially thought to be a pericardial cyst, further cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging […]

Abstract Cardiac pseudotumoral lesions are non-neoplastic conditions that are often overlooked in the differential diagnosis of cardiac masses. They present a variable clinical picture, ranging from asymptomatic to causing complications such as ventricular filling restriction and outflow tract obstruction. Echocardiography is the first-line imaging method but has limitations, such as dependence on the acoustic window and operator variability. However, a multimodality approach, including CT and MRI, is essential for seeking an accurate diagnosis. CT, with its excellent spatial resolution, allows […]

Abstract Although cardiac tumors are rare and often found accidentally, they can be associated with constitutional, cardiac, or embolic symptoms and, thus, must always be considered in diagnostic hypotheses. Three-dimensional Doppler echocardiography and contrast enhancement are additional diagnostic resources and can help determine the most appropriate surgical approach, when necessary.

Introduction Papillary fibroelastoma (PF) is a rare, benign primary cardiac neoplasm, initially described as an incidental finding in autopsies or surgeries, and ranks third among the most common cardiac tumors. It mainly affects the heart valves, accounting for 75% of all tumors in this region and is often diagnosed incidentally. Its clinical presentation can vary widely, ranging from asymptomatic cases to situations in which systemic embolization occurs, caused by adherent thrombi as well as by fragmentation of the tumor itself. […]

Abstract Background Primary cardiac neoplasms are rare, and a correct diagnosis is essential to planning the most appropriate treatment. Objective To demonstrate the role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in the assessment, diagnosis, and follow-up of cardiac fibroma. Case report Female 21-year-old patient with a myocardial mass detected on echocardiogram. CMR confirmed a diagnosis of cardiac fibroma. The patient chose to be followed up, and her condition remained stable after six years. Discussion Cardiac fibromas are the second most […]

Abstract Primary cardiac tumors are a rare but mostly benign pathology found in up to 0.03% of autopsies. Among these benign tumors, with an incidence of 8.5%, lipomas are often located in the interatrial septum. When located in the interventricular septum, they are considered an even more unusual pathology with an unknown real prevalence. In most cases, the diagnosis is made incidentally on cardiovascular imaging and confirmed by histopathological examination. They are more commonly asymptomatic or feature nonspecific symptoms, but […]