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Location and Orientation of the Heart

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The human heart, despite its modest size and weight, is an organ of remarkable strength and endurance. Roughly the size of a fist, the heart weighs between 250 and 350 grams and is nestled within the mediastinum, the medial cavity of the thorax. It extends obliquely for about 12 to 14 cm, resting on the superior surface of the diaphragm. The heart is positioned anterior to the vertebral column and posterior to the sternum, with two-thirds of its mass lying to the left of the midsternal line.

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

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Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

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Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

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Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques

Published on: June 11, 2019

Location, location, location: a left atrial mass.

Michael A Chen¹, Alicia A Ahlgrim, Camilla T Allen

¹Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. michen@u.washington.edu

Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : Official Publication of the American Society of Echocardiography

|February 24, 2009

Summary

A left atrial mass initially suspected as a myxoma was diagnosed as a thrombus in a patient with acute stroke. This highlights the importance of considering thrombus in atrial masses, especially with risk factors like atrial fibrillation.

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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

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Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques

Published on: June 11, 2019

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Neurology
Pathology

Background:

Distinguishing between cardiac tumors and thrombi is crucial for appropriate patient management.
Atrial masses can lead to embolic events, such as stroke.

Observation:

A 58-year-old male presented with acute stroke and a left atrial mass attached to the interatrial septum.
The mass was initially suspected to be a myxoma but was pathologically confirmed as a thrombus.

Findings:

Key indicators for thrombus etiology included a history of atrial fibrillation, lack of anticoagulation, left atrial enlargement, and spontaneous echo contrast.
Pathological examination confirmed the left atrial mass was a thrombus, not a myxoma.

Implications:

This case underscores the need for thorough diagnostic evaluation of left atrial masses.
Prompt identification and management of cardiac thrombi are essential to prevent embolic complications like stroke.