Incidental Noncardiovascular Findings on Echocardiography

Heart and Pericardium

There are many well-described typical cardiac tumors (both primary and metastatic to the heart) that are discussed elsewhere in this text. However, intra- and extracardiac masses can present in various ways, requiring close attention on the part of the echocardiographer. Fig. 163.1A demonstrates a large pericardial tumor seen in the subcostal view that is compressing right-sided structures. Fig. 163.1B shows a two-chamber view with deformation of the right atrium by an apparent mass causing extrinsic compression. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) allows for a detailed assessment of the superior vena cava in the bicaval view, which is shown with a mass traversing into the right atrium ( Fig. 163.1C ). Although the causes of these masses may be unknown without histopathologic assessment, recognition of their presence may warrant further investigation.