Contrast echocardiography for the evaluation of tumors and thrombi

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2008 Nov;91(5):e48-52. doi: 10.1590/s0066-782x2008001700015.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Contrast echocardiography is based on intravenous injection of microbubbles that act as blood flow tracers and increase ultra-sound signal. Contrast agents have shown to improve cardiac cavities opacification and endocardial border delineation in addition to helping perfusion evaluation. Contrast echocardiography has recently been used to evaluate cardiac masses. In this report we will describe three cases evaluated by contrast echocardiography: a left atrial myxoma (benign tumor), a lung adenocarcinoma metastasis (malign tumor), and one thrombus. Contrast echocardiography showed to be valuable in the diagnosis of the different types of cardiac masses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary
  • Adult
  • Contrast Media*
  • Echocardiography / methods*
  • Female
  • Heart Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Neoplasms / secondary
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myxoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging*

Substances

  • Contrast Media