[Special diagnostic procedures in atrial tumours of the heart (author's transl)]

A vascular myxoma which prolapsed into the mitral valve was found in the left atrium of a 47-year old man. Two-dimensional ultrasonic tomography yielded relevant non-invasive diagnostic information on the pattern of movement of the pedunculated tumour. Highly accurate determination of the tumour volume was achieved via angiocardiography and videometry. Coronography of the tumour vessels allowed identification of an unusual point of insertion of the myxoma. The risk of obstruction of the mitral orifice was documented haemodynamically by a steep gradient above the mitral valve when holding breath during the expiratory phase.