Spontaneous intramyocardial hematoma mimicking a cardiac tumor of the right ventricle.

Intramyocardial hematoma is an uncommon entity and may occur after myocardial infarction, coronary balloon angioplasty, cardiac operation, or chest trauma. It has even been noted to occur spontaneously. This report describes a 62-year-old woman who presented with a recent exacerbation of exertional dyspnea and without a history of chest pain or trauma. Echocardiography and computerized tomography revealed a large intramyocardial hematoma of the right ventricle, masquerading as a cardiac tumor. The accurate diagnosis was finally made at the time of surgical intervention.