title: Oral contrast echocardiography for the diagnosis of left atrial encroachment.
abstract: The differential diagnosis of masses encroaching on the left atrium may be challenging. We describe a case in which contrast echocardiography using a carbonated drink provided a rapid and simple way to clarify the diagnosis of an incidental mass causing extrinsic compression of the left atrium. Given its simplicity and availability, we believe that it should be considered as a first line tool for clarifying the diagnosis in cases of echocardiographic evidence of left atrial encroachment of unknown origin.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Echocardiography, Department of Cardiology, Juan Canalejo Hospital, A Coruña, Spain. aboumos@canalejo.org
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bouzas-Mosquera
authors.forename: Nemesio
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Alvarez-García
authors.forename: Jesús
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Peteiro
authors.forename: Lourdes
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: García-Bueno
authors.forename: Alfonso
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Castro-Beiras
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D002253:Carbonated Beverages; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology*; D006551:Hernia, Hiatal / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D033162:Incidental Findings
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media