[Spontaneous hematoma of the atrial wall]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Clinical signs of cardiac masses are often nonspecific, varying with location and impact on heart function.
• Diagnostic imaging, including echocardiography and computed tomography (CT), aids in characterizing heart masses.

Observation:

• A patient presented with chest pain and elevated cardiac markers.
• Echocardiography revealed a left atrial mass.
• Chest CT confirmed the mass, with findings suggestive of a mural hematoma.

Findings:

• The left atrial mass was diagnosed as a mural hematoma.
• Intraoperative biopsy confirmed the diagnosis.

Implications:

• This case underscores the utility of multimodal imaging in diagnosing cardiac masses.
• Accurate diagnosis of cardiac masses is crucial for appropriate patient management.
• Mural hematoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of left atrial masses.