Paraganglioma of the heart. The value of magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative evaluation.

Although the 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scan has proven reliable in identifying mediastinal paragangliomas, further localization has usually required dynamic computerized tomographic scanning which requires rapid bolus injection of contrast material. In the case presented herein, magnetic resonance imaging provided accurate preoperative localization and added important anatomic detail that was not appreciated with dynamic computerized tomograms or with other studies. Magnetic resonance imaging can accurately localize cardiac paragangliomas without injection of contrast material and may provide more detailed information for better guidance for surgical excision.