Radiological signs of a left atrial aneurysm

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 wit h a bulky mass of soft tissue density appearing adjacent to the left atrial appendage. Transthoracic as well as transesophageal echocardiography misse d the origin of the aneurysm. Magnetic resonance imaging helped to establis h 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.