Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound and Dual Source CT of Left Atrial Myxoma

PURPOSE: Myxomas of the left atrial cavity of the heart are a rare occurrence. Incidental diagnosis is mostly based on transthoracic echocardiography. Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) seems to be a promising new diagnostic option for diagnosis and preoperative planning of treatment for patients with myxoma. It is an additional examination to baseline ultrasound and CT or MRT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report a case of a 63-year-old woman with myxoma of the left atrial cavity of the heart in which CEUS helped to define the location and its relation to the heart valve. RESULTS: In contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), the oval mass in the left atrium was scanned in the 4-chamber view. Perfusion of the mass was examined by visualising gradual contrast enhancement. An involvement of the mitral valve could be excluded. The tumour base could be clearly depicted and differentiated from normal surrounding tissue. No thrombotic material was found in the left atrium (LA) or ventricle (LV). CONCLUSION: CEUS could detect the mass and offer additional information such as vascularity, mobility, attachment to the valve and possible thrombi. Dual Source CT (DSCT) confirmed the findings and provided a very clear morphological characterisation and dynamic evaluation of mobility and valve interference.