A Cardiac Tumor and Liver Masses on Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS): Implications in a Resource-Limited Setting

Abstract

Malignant cardiac tumors are quite rare, but portend a poor prognosis [1,2]. Early identification and classification are essential given their aggressive nature, particularly when metastases are present [3,4]. Clinical presentations are varied, and detection relies primarily on echocardiography. Thus, cardiac tumors may go undiagnosed in areas where echocardiography is not routinely available [1,5]. In this case, point of care ultrasound (POCUS) rapidly detected a cardiac mass and liver lesions, prompting referral to a central hospital in Malawi for further evaluation. This case highlighted the potential role of POCUS as a readily available tool in a resource-limited setting, serving as a triage point for more definitive diagnosis and management [6-8].

Keywords

• Point-of-Care Ultrasound
• Cardiac Tumor
• Resource-limited Setting