Multimodality imaging of giant prolapsing left atrial myxoma

Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2010 Apr-Jun;6(2):40-2. doi: 10.14797/mdcj-6-2-40.

Abstract

Through a case of a very large left atrial myxoma diagnosed in a 53-year old woman, we feature the complementary value of multimodality imaging. Two-dimensional echocardiography continues to be the principal imaging modality for intracardiac masses due to its accessibility and ability to provide basic information on mass morphology, position, and mobility. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography offers more precise assessment of tumor size and attachment. Cardiac magnetic resonance allows superior tissue characterization, particularly important in differentiating a myxoma from a thrombus. Appropriate use of these various non-invasive imaging modalities is a safe and comprehensive preoperative diagnostic approach for patients with intracardiac masses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Portrait

MeSH terms

  • Cardiopulmonary Bypass
  • Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional*
  • Female
  • Foramen Ovale, Patent / diagnosis
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Atria / pathology
  • Heart Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Heart Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Neoplasms / pathology
  • Heart Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine*
  • Middle Aged
  • Myxoma / diagnosis*
  • Myxoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Myxoma / pathology
  • Myxoma / surgery
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Thoracotomy
  • Treatment Outcome