Five Different Intra-and Paracardiac Masses Diagnosed by Two-dimensional Echocardiography

We present 5 cases that could not be diagnosed by chest X-ray and computerized thorax tomography (CTT), but which were diagnosed by echocardiography. Three patients underwend surgery. Sufficient findings were absent in the chest X-ray and CTT in the first patient, as well as in the chest X-ray in the second, fourth and fifth patients for diagnosis. The mass, considered to be calcified periardium by echocardiography in the first patient, was confirmed by surgery. The endodermal sinus tumor causing pericardial tamponade was visualized by echocardiography in the second patient, and the patient underwent emergency surgery. Consistent findings suggesting a cardiac hydatid cyst existed in echocardiography and CTT in the third patient. A paracardiac mass with pleural effusion in the fourth patient, which proved to be pleural malignant mesothelioma was visualized by echocardiography. Pericardial malignant mesothelioma was visualized by means of echocardiography in the fifth patient who was subjected to surgery urgently. Transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) was performed in one and CTT in 3 of these patients. In conclusion, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a method which assists in the diagnosis of intracardiac and paracardiac masses to other methods. It plays an important role not only in the diagnosis but also in the localization of the mass and its preoperative assessment.