Multimodality Imaging in the Diagnostic Work-Up of Patients With Cardiac Masses
Francesco Angeli, Francesca Bodega, Luca Bergamaschi, Matteo Armillotta, Sara Amicone, Lisa Canton, Damiano Fedele, Nicole Suma, Daniele Cavallo, Alberto Foà, Marta Belmonte, Vincenzo Russo, Domenico Attinà, Fabio Niro, Rachele Bonfiglioli, Stefano Fanti, Anna Giulia Pavon, Marco Guglielmo, Saima Mushtaq, Maria A. Pantaleo, Daniele Andreini, Luigi Lovato, Gianluca Pontone, Juan Lopez‐Mattei, Pasquale Paolisso, Carmine Pizzi
Abstract
Cardiac masses encompass a diverse range of benign and malignant tumors as well as pseudotumors. Accurate histologic identification is essential for guiding appropriate treatment, yet the diagnostic process remains challenging. Although biopsy is traditionally the diagnostic gold standard, its invasive nature and associated risks limit its application. A noninvasive multimodality imaging approach has recently emerged as an alternative, but standardized protocols and supporting evidence are still lacking. Echocardiography is typically the initial imaging modality, with cardiac magnetic resonance recognized as the noninvasive diagnostic gold standard. Cardiac computed tomography provides complementary data to aid in diagnosis and management, while positron emission tomography serves as a third-level imaging option. This state-of-the-art review highlights the role of current multimodality imaging techniques in diagnosing and managing cardiac masses and explores future directions for their applications.