A Right Atrial Mass and a Pseudomass

Abstract

Right atrial (RA) masses are rare entities often detected incidentally during imaging studies. Leading etiologies of right atrial masses are tumor, thrombi, and vegetations. We present two cases of right atrial masses, a cardiac lipoma and an artifact. Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of benign cardiac tumors are reviewed. We then highlight the importance of considering artifact in the differential diagnosis of atrial masses. Finally, we discuss echocardiographic characteristics of right atrial masses that may provide clues for diagnosis. Right atrial masses, often detected incidentally during imaging studies, are uncommon and can be due to many etiologies including tumors, thrombus, vegetations, normal variants, and artifacts. We describe 2 patients with RA masses detected on routine transthoracic echocardiogram.

An Unusual Left Atrial Mass in a Woman with Active Breast Cancer and Recent Cardiothoracic Surgery

“…[ 2 ] However, normal structure and artifacts (the so-called “pseudomasses”) should also be considered in differential diagnosis. [ 4 ] We present a case of an unusual left atrial (LA) image observed on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).…”