Related Experiment Video
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.
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.
More Related Videos
08:13In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography
Published on: February 16, 2016
04:41Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease
Published on: July 3, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification