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Updated: May 15, 2026
06:29
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Atrial masses on multidetector computed tomography
K H Mortensen1, D Gopalan, A Balan
1Department of Radiology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom.
Clinical Radiology
|December 19, 2012
Summary
Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) can reveal incidental atrial filling defects, prompting further diagnostic workup. This review details CT features to differentiate true abnormalities from artifacts and classify intra-atrial masses.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
Background:
- Incidental atrial filling defects found on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) require careful evaluation.
- MDCT, while not primary for intra-atrial mass characterization, frequently identifies unsuspected lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline key computed tomography (CT) imaging features for evaluating incidental atrial filling defects.
- To differentiate normal variants and artifacts from true abnormalities.
- To distinguish between benign and malignant intra-atrial tumors and characterize non-neoplastic masses.
Main Methods:
- Review of key computed tomography (CT) imaging features.
- Analysis of differentiation between normal variants, artifacts, and true abnormalities.
- Characterization of intra-atrial tumors (benign vs. malignant) and non-neoplastic masses.
Main Results:
- Specific CT imaging features aid in distinguishing normal variants and artifacts from true atrial abnormalities.
- CT can assist in differentiating benign from malignant intra-atrial tumors.
- Non-neoplastic atrial masses can be characterized using CT findings.
Conclusions:
- MDCT plays a role in identifying and characterizing incidental atrial filling defects.
- Understanding CT features is crucial for accurate diagnostic workup of intra-atrial lesions.
- This review provides a guide for interpreting these findings on MDCT examinations.
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