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Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
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Inverted left atrial appendage presenting as a large left atrial mass
Maria Carmo Pereira Nunes1,2, Claudio Leo Gelape3, Renato Bráulio3
1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena 190, Belo Horizonte, MG, 30130-100, Brazil. mcarmo@waymail.com.br.
Journal of Echocardiography
|June 10, 2016
Summary
Inverted left atrial appendage (ILAA) is a rare condition that can mimic a left atrial thrombus. Surgical exploration revealed ILAA in a patient with mitral stenosis, highlighting its importance in differential diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Inverted left atrial appendage (ILAA) is an uncommon anatomical variation.
- ILAA can present as a homogenous mass in the left atrium.
- Distinguishing ILAA from left atrial thrombus is clinically significant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a case of inverted left atrial appendage (ILAA).
- To highlight ILAA as a differential diagnosis for left atrial masses.
- To discuss the diagnostic features and considerations for ILAA.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient with mitral stenosis.
- Preoperative imaging (details not specified).
- Intraoperative surgical examination.
Main Results:
- A homogenous left atrial mass was identified, initially suspected as a thrombus.
- Surgical intervention revealed the mass to be an inverted left atrial appendage.
- No thrombus was found during surgery.
Conclusions:
- Inverted left atrial appendage is a rare entity that can mimic left atrial thrombus.
- Clinical vigilance and intraoperative findings are crucial for accurate diagnosis of ILAA.
- Understanding ILAA is important for surgical planning and patient management.
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