Masses elsewhere in the heart

Primary cardiac tumours – such as a left atrial ‘myxoma’ – are extremely rare. If your scan is suspicious for a tumour, you will be referred for specialist investigation. 

A blood clot – or ‘thrombus’ – is an unusual finding in the heart, but can be encountered in patients with a recent heart attack, or in cases of very severely reduced systolic function. These cases will need referral for consideration of blood thinning medication. Very small blood clots can be difficult to see on a standard cardiac ultrasound; if there is any doubt, you may be referred for consideration of an alternative imaging test.