Radiological signs of a left atrial aneurysm

Abstract

We report a case of an acquired mid-sized extrapericardial aneurysm in the area of the left atrial appendage and demonstrate the diagnostic impact of several imaging methods. Chest radiography gave a hint to the diagnosis with a bulky mass of soft tissue density appearing adjacent to the left atrial appendage. Transthoracic as well as transesophageal echocardiography missed the origin of the aneurysm. Magnetic resonance imaging helped to establish the diagnosis with use of a coronal imaging plane. No contrast agent was necessary. Thus, the combination of chest X-ray and MRI provided excellent support for patient management.

Congenital Left Atrial Appendage Aneurysm: A Case Report and Brief Review of Literature

“…An ECG and a 24-h holter study should be performed [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. A chest roentogenogram may show a non-specific cardiomegaly with an unusually prominent left heart border [13]. A transthoracic echocardiogram or even better, a TEE colour Doppler echocardiogram may suggest the diagnosis by demonstrating the exchange of blood between LA and LAAA [8].…”

“…Surgical excision of the LA appendage addresses the issue of intra-aneurysmal thrombi and is sufficient in eliminating atrial tachyarrhythmias in most patients [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. Use of the extracorporeal circulation via median sternotomy is the widely accepted approach, uniformly considered safer and successful especially in giant LAAA with intraaneurysmal thrombi.…”

Incidentally detected congenital giant left atrial appendage aneurysm in a child: MRI findings

“…Smaller aneurysms can mimic left pulmonary artery anomalies. In such cases, axial and coronal sections are recommended (7).…”

“…Epicardial lipomas have typical high signal intensity on both T1-and T2-weighted MR images. Cardiac tumors can be differentiated by the presence of a flow signal (7).…”

Incidentally Found, Growing Congenital Aneurysm of the Left Atrium

“…Moreover, the presence of thrombi and the in-and-out flow through the orifice can be observed (10,11). Magnetic resonance imaging is also useful for establishing a diagnosis with the use of a coronal imaging plane (12). However, angiography is unnecessary unless the echocardiographic or MRI findings are questionable.…”