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Updated: Apr 25, 2026

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Large cystic mass in the right atrium: multimodality imaging and pathologic features of a giant interatrial septal
Jamie M Weiss1, Mary Le, Shi-Kaung Peng
1Division of Cardiology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1124 West Carson Street, RB2, Box 405, Torrance, CA, 90509, USA, jamieweissmd@gmail.com.
Insights
This case highlights how advanced imaging like echocardiography, CCT, and CMRI can diagnose interatrial septal aneurysms (ISA). Multimodality imaging aids in surgical planning and diagnosis of this rare cardiac mass.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Cardiac Pathology
Background:
- Interatrial septal aneurysm (ISA) is a rare cardiac anomaly.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management.
Observation:
- A large mass in the right atrium was evaluated using echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography (CCT), and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI).
- Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated high sensitivity for ISA detection.
Findings:
- Multimodality imaging precisely characterized the size, location, and hemodynamic significance of the mass.
- Pathology confirmed the mass as a cystic interatrial septal aneurysm.
Implications:
- Non-invasive imaging is vital for diagnosing unusual cardiac masses like ISA.
- Successful surgical excision was achieved based on detailed imaging insights.
- This case underscores the value of integrated imaging approaches in cardiovascular diagnosis.
Abstract:
The case demonstrates the use of echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography (CCT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) to determine the size, location, anatomic connection, perfusion and hemodynamic significance of a large tumor in the right atrium. The mass was surgically excised and pathology confirmed an ultimate diagnosis of an interatrial septal aneurysm (ISA). Transesophageal echocardiography enhances the sensitivity of detecting ISA and is the initial test of choice when an ISA is suspected on transthoracic echocardiography. In addition, the use of CCT and CMRI helps further define the anatomy, perfusion and tissue characteristics of the mass. Our case demonstrates the utility of multimodality non-invasive imaging to characterize an unusual tumor leading to a successful surgical treatment and a corresponding pathologic diagnosis of a large, cystic aneurysm of the interatrial septum.
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