MR Imaging of Cardiac Tumors and Masses: A Review of Methods and Clinical Applications

Authors:
  • AKAnanth Kidambi
    Ananth Kidambi
  • BHBernhard A. Herzog
    Bernhard A. Herzog
  • AUAkhlaque Uddin
    Akhlaque Uddin
  • JGJohn P. Greenwood
    John P. Greenwood
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Abstract
A core protocol of MR sequences as described in this review allows the morphology, anatomy, tissue characteristics, and functional impact of a suspected tumor to be assessed in a single examination. Cardiac masses are usually first detected at echocardiography. In their further evaluation, cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has become a highly valuable technique. MR imaging offers incremental value owing to its larger field of view, superior tissue contrast, versatility in image planes, and unique ability to enable discrimination of different tissue characteristics, such as water and fat content, which give rise to particular signal patterns with T1- and T2-weighted techniques. With contrast material–enhanced MR imaging, additional tissue properties such as vascularity and fibrosis can be demonstrated. MR imaging can therefore contribute to the diagnosis of a cardiac mass as well as be used to detail its relationship to other cardiac and extracardiac structures. These assessments are important to plan therapy, such as surgical intervention. In addition, serial MR studies can be used to monitor tumor regression after surgery or chemotherapy. Primary cardiac tumors are very rare; metastases and ps...

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