Characterization of a calcified intra-cardiac pseudocyst of the mitral valve by magnetic resonance imaging including T1 and T2 mapping.
BACKGROUND
Even though intra-cardiac cystic lesions are extremely unusual in adults, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with valvular masses. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging has emerged as modality of choice for non-invasive characterization of cardiac masses.


METHODS
We report a case of an intra-cardiac mass of the mitral valve in a 51-year old male, detected by echocardiography after transient ischemic attack and retinal artery occlusion. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was performed at 3 T to evaluate and characterize the lesion prior to surgery. Diagnosis of a calcified left-ventricular pseudocyst of the mitral valve was confirmed by histological evaluation.


CONCLUSIONS
This case presents the unusual finding of contrast uptake in an intra-cardiac cystic lesion and points to the potential of T1 and T2 mapping for assisting in the characterization and diagnosis of intra-cardiac masses by CMR.
Division of General Radiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 9/P, Graz A-8036, Austria. ursula.reiter@klinikum-graz.at.
Ursula
U
Reiter
Gert
G
Reiter
Martin
M
Asslaber
Drago
D
Dacar
Ralph
R
Maderthaner
Josepha
J
Binder
Andreas
A
Greiser
Meinrad
M
Beer
Michael
M
Fuchsjäger
D001706:Biopsy; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003560:Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography