Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluation of left atrial masses: an in vitro and in vivo study.

Thirty patients, 15 each of suspected of left atrial myxoma and clot were studied in a prospective study to assess the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluation of left atrial masses. Upon clinical and echocardiographic suspicion of a left atrial mass, patients were subjected to ECG-gated MRI (in vivo study) and subsequently all of them underwent surgery for the removal of mass and/or mitral valve replacement/repair. Within 6 hours of its removal the mass was subjected to in vitro MRI study and subsequently to histopathological examination. During the study T1, T2 gated images were obtained and tissue characterization was done. A magnetic dye Gd-DTPA was used for contrast enhancement. Cine-display of the images was obtained to demonstrate dynamic movement of the mass across the mitral valve. MRI was found to be highly useful in delineating the exact anatomical details of left atrial masses. Results of MRI diagnosis with illustrations are discussed.