Intracardiac masses. Tumors, vegetations, thrombi, and foreign bodies.

Echocardiography has enhanced our diagnostic capability in the detection of cardiac myxomas and, to some degree, metastatic tumor. It has assisted in the evaluation and treatment of certain patients with infective endocarditis and now appears to be providing insight into the recognition and course of some cases of intracardiac thrombosis. However, the limitations in the latter conditions are still significant and careful interpretation and clinical correlation should be the rule.