Is the heart involved or not? The diagnostic value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of non-cardiac malignancies and metastatic cardiac tumours

Abstract

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a radiation-free, high-spatial resolution technique which provides dynamic assessment of the heart and pericardial tissue. This is particularly useful for the evaluation and characterisation of non-cardiac tumours close to the pericardium for the exclusion of cardiovascular infiltration, and also for the assessment of the extent of myocardial invasion of cardiac metastases. This information can help make key decisions on further management in oncology multidisciplinary meetings. The CMR evaluation and main types of sequences acquired are detailed in this case series to illustrate the application of CMR in the assessment of non-cardiac malignancies and its importance in guiding management.