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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Oral contrast echocardiography for the diagnosis of left atrial encroachment
Alberto Bouzas-Mosquera1, Nemesio Alvarez-García, Jesús Peteiro
1Laboratory of Echocardiography, Department of Cardiology, Juan Canalejo Hospital, A Coruña, Spain. aboumos@canalejo.org
Abstract:
The differential diagnosis of masses encroaching on the left atrium may be challenging. We describe a case in which contrast echocardiography using a carbonated drink provided a rapid and simple way to clarify the diagnosis of an incidental mass causing extrinsic compression of the left atrium. Given its simplicity and availability, we believe that it should be considered as a first line tool for clarifying the diagnosis in cases of echocardiographic evidence of left atrial encroachment of unknown origin.
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