Cardiac masses

Computed tomography (CT) is not the imaging modality of choice for assessment of cardiac masses, which are typically initially imaged with echocardiography, MRI, and positron emission tomography (PET)/single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). ^401,402 However, CT provides valuable anatomic information in selected patients. It is for example superior in defining the relationship of lung masses to the pericardium and heart, ⁴⁰³ and may allow definition of the blood supply of cardiac masses. If dedicated CT imaging is planned, the protocol should be modified for the specific clinical question. ⁴⁰⁴ In other situations, CT may occasionally identify incidental cardiac masses. The anatomic criteria seldom allow a definitive histologic diagnosis, but rather differentiate between likely benign versus malignant lesions, with implications for further management.