Understanding the epidemiology, anatomy, and imaging features of primary tumors that metastasize to the heart enhances the detection and diagnosis of cardiac metastases on surveillance imaging.
A multimodality imaging approach, guided by knowledge of tumor epidemiology and spread, is essential for detecting and diagnosing cardiac metastases.
OBJECTIVE: Evaluating metastatic disease to the heart and pericardium, from detection to diagnosis, often requires a multimodality imaging approach. A radiologist's ability to evaluate cardiac metastases hinges on an understanding of the epidemiology, anatomy, and imaging features of this disease process. CONCLUSION: On surveillance imaging of patients with cancer or when metastatic disease is suspected, detection of metastatic disease may be greatly enhanced by an understanding of which primary tumors metastasize to the heart and the most common routes of spread.
Lichtenberger et al. (Thu,) conducted a review in Metastatic disease to the heart and pericardium. Understanding the epidemiology, anatomy, and imaging features of primary tumors that metastasize to the heart enhances the detection and diagnosis of cardiac metastases on surveillance imaging.