Text Box: PATHOLOGICAL MASSES IN CARDIAC CHAMBERS AND CAVAL VEINS Aleszewicz-Baranowska J1, Ulewicz-Filipowicz J2, Erecinski J1, Balcerska A2, Sabiniewicz R1, Owczuk R2 1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland 2Departement of Pediatrics, Hematology, Oncology and Endocrinology, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland Modern methods of heart visualization, especially two-dimentional echocardiography connected with Doppler technique of examination make possible quick identification of the presence of pathological masses in cardiac chamber and caval veins. In addition it＊s possible to diagnose hemodynamic pathologies connected with the masses. The etiology of pathological masses in cardiac chambers is variable: primary and metastatic tumors, thrombi, vegetations and foreign bodies (catheters, endocavitary electrodes). The detection of pathological masses in cardiac chambers and great vessels is comparatively simple. The differentiation among tumors, thrombi and vegetations requires applying another diagnostic methods 每 taking history, biochemical tests, frequently additional techniques of visualization 每 transesophageal echocardiography or/and DSA. In 58 patients aged from 1 day to 18 years echocardiography revealed pathological masses in heart or caval veins. In 13 cases we diagnosed primary heart tumors, in 43 每 thrombi, in 1 patients vegetations in the course of endocarditis after operation of transposition of great vessels by Senning method as well as in 1 child after operation of atrrioventricular septal defect. Numerous patients with chronic catheterization of central veins have a high risk of thromboembolism. Sporadically we meet infectious endocarditis after cardiosurgical operations. 1846