Anesthetic Management of Cardiac Tumors

Cardiac tumors can produce a variety of signs and symptoms depending upon the tumor type, location and size, and the release of chemical substances by the tumor (Table 1). Cardiac tumors in asymptomatic patients may be diagnosed by CT, MRI, or echocardiography as part of a routine examination. Other patientsmay presentwith signs and symptoms of cardiac or extracardiac tumor manifestation. Occasionally, cardiac tumors, especially angiosarcomas, can produce hemorrhagic pericardial effusion or tamponade. The mechanical effect of a tumor on the intracardiac blood flow varies with changes in body position, particularly if the tumor is mobile and pedunculated.