Primäre Herztumoren

Primary tumors of the heart are relatively rare. Among the primary benign tumors, myxoma is the most common tumor, which can become apparent by typical cardiac symptoms, systemic or pulmonary emboli, or frequently as an incidental finding. The diagnostic modality of choice in the work-up of cardiac tumors is initially echocardiography, which provides information on the extent, localization, and mobility of the tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging can be informative with respect to tissue differentiation. Computed tomography allows assessment of the structures surrounding the heart in addition to imaging of the heart. Complete resection of the tumor is the curative approach for cardiac tumors but the radicality of the resection is limited by the need to preserve sufficient cardiac functionality. Among the malignant primary cardiac tumors, sarcoma is the most common tumor. Assuming a complete resection, the prognosis of benign cardiac tumors is good with low recurrence rates. The prognosis of malignant primary cardiac tumors remains unfavorable despite the use of multimodal treatment concepts.