Noninvasive detection of intracardiac tumors by ultrasound and computed tomography.

Nine patients presenting with intracardiac masses were examined by ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT). Of these, 6 patients with atrial myxomas were diagnosed primarily by US, with the movement of the pedunculated tumors well visualized by this technique. The myxomas and the three solid tumors were demonstrated by CT as contrast defects following the intravenous administration of contrast medium. Two solid intraventricular tumors, however, were overlooked by US. In the detection of solid tumors CT is considered superior to US, owing to its better geometric resolution. Generally solid tumors require heart catheterization to obtain information about the blood supply. Visualization of atrial myxomas by CT and US, in contrast, should be followed by immediate operation without additional invasive procedures.