Heart base mass

Diagnostic Evaluation

A heart-base mass can arise from cardiac structures, mediastinum, or great vessels, producing respiratory signs or reduced cardiac output. The priority is defining location, size, and hemodynamic impact. Echocardiography (ultrasound) is typically first to evaluate chambers, pericardial effusion, and mass effects. CT helps characterize tissue planes, vascular involvement, and staging.Radiographs suggest mediastinal or cardiac silhouette changes. MRI is reserved for complex soft-tissue characterization. Nuclear imaging is adjunctive.