[Diagnosis of myxomas of the left auricle by ultrasonic echography]

The two case histories of myxoma of the left auricle reported in this paper illustrate how echography is a diagnostic method which is non-invasive, simple, and relatively accurate provided that different angles of incidence are used, and especially the "root aorta-left auricle" incidence. It is indicated especially in cases with variable mitral murmurs on auscultation, but also where there is a very large left auricle, heart failure of unknown cause, or even an apparently straightforward case of mital stenosis. Moreover, as one of these case histories demonstrates, the technique allows both short and long term postoperative follow-up to be carried out with ease and safety, so that a possible recurrence can be picked up later.