Detection of intracardiac masses by ultrafast computed tomography.

Ultrafast computed tomography (CT) is a new imaging technique that relies on electron beam technology. Its short scanning acquisition times eliminate the motion artifacts seen with conventional CT. High temporal and spatial resolution make it ideal for evaluating the heart using only modest amounts of intravenous contrast. Ultrafast CT is extremely valuable for diagnosis and assessment of intracardiac thrombus and cardiac tumors. Although echocardiography is widely used to identify intracardiac thrombus, it sometimes cannot visualize the most common sites, the atria (especially the left atrial appendage) and the cardiac apex. These areas are clearly defined by ultrafast CT. Likewise, the location, size, extent, and tissue density of primary or metastatic cardiac tumors can be characterized using ultrafast CT, which may obviate the need for angiography before operative treatment.