High-quality imaging of a left atrial tumour using real-time two-dimensional echocardiography

A patient with a large left atrial mass is described in whom real-time two-dimensional (2-D) echocardiography provided images of exceptionally high quality. The mass was pedunculated, attached to the lower interatrial septum, appeared jelly-like in consistency and prolapsed into the mitral orifice during diastole. These features are characteristic of a left atrial myxoma. The importance of real-time 2-D echocardiography in the diagnosis of atrial tumours, and especially that of the subxiphoid view, is discussed.