title: Imaging of cardiac and paracardiac masses.
abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are important imaging modalities for the noninvasive characterization of cardiac and paracardiac masses. They are, in general, superior to other modalities (e.g., echocardiography) in their ability to delineate the exact location and the extent of the lesion and to demonstrate the effects of the lesion on surrounding structures. MRI and CT may also be helpful in suggesting a specific diagnosis, because some tumors have rather characteristic locations and appearances. In addition, both modalities can be extremely helpful in both treatment planning and posttreatment follow-up because they are noninvasive, reproducible, and enable detection of residual or recurrent mass.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH, USA.
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Schvartzman
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: White
mesh_terms: D006338:Heart Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D013896:Thoracic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed