Differential Diagnosis for Right Ventricular Mass
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Thrombus: This is often the most common cause of a right ventricular mass, especially in patients with conditions that predispose to thrombosis, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. The thrombus can originate from the venous system and lodge in the right ventricle.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Cardiac metastasis: Metastatic disease to the heart is more common than primary cardiac tumors, and the right ventricle can be involved. Common primary sites include breast, lung, and melanoma.
- Myxoma: Although myxomas are the most common primary cardiac tumor and typically occur in the left atrium, they can also occur in the right ventricle.
- Fibroelastoma: These are rare, benign tumors that can occur on the valves or in the ventricles, including the right ventricle.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Angiosarcoma: This is a highly malignant primary cardiac tumor that can present as a right ventricular mass. It is crucial to diagnose early due to its aggressive nature and poor prognosis.
- Lymphoma: Cardiac involvement by lymphoma can manifest as a mass in the right ventricle and is critical to diagnose due to its implications for treatment and prognosis.
- Rare diagnoses
- Rhabdomyoma: These are benign tumors that are associated with tuberous sclerosis and can occur in the ventricles, including the right ventricle.
- Lipoma: Cardiac lipomas are rare, benign tumors that can occur in any chamber of the heart, including the right ventricle.
- Hemangioma: These are benign vascular tumors that can very rarely occur in the heart, including the right ventricle.