Cardiac Tumors

Abstract

Cardiac tumors are rarely encountered in clinical practice; however, because they affect vital structures, they can have significant consequences. Cardiac tumors are categorized as either primary tumors originating from cardiac tissue or metastatic tumors migrated from other sites; they may infiltrate the atria, ventricles, valves, and coronary arteries, resulting in considerable changes to normal physiology. They may extend beyond the myocardium to the pericardium, great vessels, and mediastinum. Advances in the development of imaging modalities have allowed for expedited diagnostic evaluation of cardiac tumors. Prompt treatment, which often includes surgical intervention, is essential to both alleviate symptoms and prevent harmful sequelae. The intraoperative anesthetic management of a patient with a cardiac mass presents a number of challenges due to altered cardiovascular physiology. Because these tumors occur so infrequently, standardized, evidence-based diagnostic and treatment guidelines have not been developed. The existing data were derived mainly from small case series and case reports. The aggressive nature of the disease warrants further investigation to improve the accuracy of diagnostic modalities and the efficacy of treatment regimens.