Cardiac Masses (Non-Valvular): An Overview

Cardiac masses, excluding those involving the heart valves, encompass a range of abnormalities such as tumours and thrombi that can form within the heart chambers or on the heart’s walls. These masses can interfere with normal heart function, leading to serious health complications if not properly diagnosed and treated. 

This page covers the nature of these masses, including atrial myxomas and thrombi, their seriousness, symptoms, treatments, and the crucial role of heart scans in identifying these issues. Additionally, it emphasises the importance of seeking care from a professional cardiac clinic.

What are Atrial Myxomas?

Atrial myxomas are the most common type of primary heart tumours, with these non-cancerous growths typically arising from the left atrium but can also develop in the right atrium. 

Atrial myxomas are composed of gelatinous material and are attached to the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart, often by a stalk. Despite being benign, their location within the heart can lead to significant complications.

How serious are Atrial Myxomas? & Are there different types?

Atrial myxomas are serious due to their potential to obstruct blood flow, cause embolism, and interfere with heart valves. They can vary in size and location, influencing the severity of their impact on heart function. While all atrial myxomas are benign, their seriousness lies in the mechanical and embolic complications they can cause.

What are the symptoms of Atrial Myxomas?

Atrial myxoma symptoms can vary widely, depending on the size, location, and mobility of the tumour. 

Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of Breath: Due to obstruction of blood flow within the heart.
• Chest Pain: Caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats due to disrupted electrical activity.
• Dizziness or Fainting: Resulting from impaired blood flow to the brain.
• Embolic Events: Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) due to fragments of the tumour breaking off and travelling to the brain or other organs.
• Systemic Symptoms: Fever, weight loss, and fatigue can also occur due to the tumour’s presence.

How are they treated?

Atrial myxoma treatment primarily involves surgical removal of the tumour, with a procedure known as a myomectomy, which is typically performed via open-heart surgery. Successful removal usually leads to a complete cure, with a low risk of recurrence.Post-surgery, patients often require follow-up echocardiograms to monitor for any potential recurrence.

What is a Thrombus?

A thrombus is a blood clot that forms within a blood vessel or the heart. In the context of the heart, thrombi can form in any chamber but are particularly concerning when they develop in the left ventricle (LV thrombus) or atria. Unlike atrial myxomas, thrombi are not tumours but clotted blood that can obstruct blood flow or dislodge and travel to other parts of the body, causing embolic events.

How serious are Thrombi? & Are there different types?

Thrombi in the heart are extremely serious due to their potential to cause life-threatening complications, such as strokes, myocardial infarction, or pulmonary embolism. There are different types of thrombi based on their location:

1. LV Thrombus: Forms in the left ventricle, often after a heart attack, and poses a high risk of embolism, particularly stroke.
2. Atrial Thrombus: Commonly associated with atrial fibrillation, which leads to turbulent blood flow and clot formation.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of a blood clot in the heart depend on its size, location, and whether it causes embolism. Typical symptoms include:

• Chest Pain: Due to impaired blood flow.
• Shortness of Breath: Resulting from reduced cardiac output.
• Palpitations: Irregular heart rhythms due to disrupted flow.
• Swelling in Legs or Abdomen: Indicative of heart failure.
• Neurological Symptoms: Sudden weakness, numbness, or speech difficulties if a clot embolizes to the brain.

How are Thrombi treated?

Treatment of a thrombus involves:

1. Anticoagulant Medications: To prevent further clotting and to help dissolve existing clots – common drugs include warfarin, heparin, and newer anticoagulants like apixaban and rivaroxaban.
2. Thrombolytic Therapy: Administration of clot-dissolving drugs in acute settings.
3. Surgical Interventions: In severe cases, surgical clot removal might be necessary.

The role of heart scans in identifying Cardiac Masses

Heart scans play a crucial role in identifying cardiac masses, including atrial myxomas and thrombi. Advanced imaging techniques provide detailed visualisations of the heart’s structures, helping in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning:

1. Echocardiogram: This ultrasound-based test is the primary tool for detecting atrial myxomas and thrombi, providing real-time images of the heart chambers, valves, and surrounding structures.
2. CT and MRI Scans: These imaging techniques offer detailed cross-sectional images, helping to assess the size, location, and characteristics of cardiac masses.
3. Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE): This internal scan provides more detailed imaging of the heart, which is especially useful for detecting smaller or more obscure masses.

The importance of trusting a professional Cardiac Clinic

Given the complexity and potential severity of cardiac masses, it is essential to trust a professional cardiac clinic for diagnosis and treatment. Attending a professional cardiac clinic offers several benefits:

1. Expertise: Specialised cardiologists and cardiac surgeons have the expertise to accurately diagnose and effectively treat cardiac masses.
2. Advanced Technology: Access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies ensures accurate assessments and effective interventions.
3. Comprehensive Care: Multidisciplinary teams provide holistic care, addressing all aspects of a patient’s health and ensuring continuity of care.
4. Personalised Treatment Plans: Individualised care plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs and conditions ensure the best possible outcomes.

For more information on our services, contact our helpful and friendly team today, or alternatively, you can book an appointment at one of our specialist clinics online now.

Conclusion

In conclusion, non-valvular cardiac masses such as atrial myxomas and thrombi are significant health concerns that require timely diagnosis and intervention. Understanding the symptoms, risks, and treatment options for these conditions is crucial for effective management. 

Heart scans play a vital role in identifying these masses, and seeking care from a professional cardiac clinic ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care, by trusting in specialised professionals, patients can achieve better health outcomes and mitigate the risks associated with these potentially life-threatening conditions.