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Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
A 50-year-old man with incidental cardiac mass
Aiman Smer1, Venkata M Alla2, Hussam Abuissa3
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, CHI Health Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
Insights
A cardiac mass was incidentally found in a patient undergoing evaluation for atrial fibrillation. Imaging revealed a thin-walled mass in the fossa ovalis, prompting further diagnostic consideration.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- A 50-year-old male with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was scheduled for transesophageal echocardiography before atrial fibrillation ablation.
- Atrial fibrillation ablation is a procedure to treat irregular heart rhythms.
Observation:
- An echo-lucent mass was detected during the transesophageal echocardiogram.
- Color Doppler and contrast imaging indicated no blood flow across the mass or interatrial septum.
- A CT scan revealed a thin-walled, well-defined mass at the inferior border of the fossa ovalis, protruding into the left atrium.
Findings:
- The imaging characteristics suggest a specific type of cardiac mass.
- The location and appearance are crucial for differential diagnosis.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of cardiac masses is essential for appropriate management.
- Further investigation is required to determine the exact nature of the mass and guide treatment decisions.
Clinical Introduction:
A 50-year-old white male with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation presented for transoesophageal echocardiogram prior to atrial fibrillation ablation. However, an echo lucent mass was noted (figure 1A). Colour Doppler and contrast administration showed no flow across the mass or the interatrial septum (see online supplementary videos 1 and 2). CT of the chest demonstrated a thin-walled, well-demarcated mass in the inferior border of the fossa ovalis protruding into the left atrium (figure 1B).
Question:
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis? Atrial myxomaBronchogenic cystCardiac angiosarcomaHydatid cyst.
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