[The information value of roentgen computerized tomography in atrial tumors of the heart].

The symptoms of intracavitary masses are usually not characteristic and are often confused with those of mitral valve disease. It is therefore necessary to employ all possible diagnostic measures. Like echo cardiography, computer tomography is a non-invasive method which provides accurate information concerning the size, position and shape of the mass. Angiocardiography can confirm these findings, but provides extra information only if there are additional abnormalities or coronary disease. Early diagnosis is important, since the patient is at risk from complications such as cardiac failure, emboli and arrhythmias, and since operative removal of the tumour carries a good prognosis.