The value of two-dimensional echocardiography in detecting malignant tumors in the heart.

Six unusual cases of tumor involvement of the heart and pericardium, diagnosed antemortem by two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), are described. The tumors consisted one each of sacral chordoma, mediastinal seminoma, leiomyosarcoma of the uterus, osteosarcoma, invasive thymoma, and lung cancer. The current study again recognizes the concept that any type of malignant tumor has a possibility of involving the heart. If cardiac involvement is suspected, 2DE examination should be performed in patients with any kind of malignant tumor. The information obtained not only provides guidance for therapeutic maneuvers, but also is beneficial for follow-up observation of the patients and assessment of the therapy.