Comparison of transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography in diagnosis of left atrial myxoma

Since its introduction, M-mode echocardiography became quickly established as the method of choice in the diagnosis of left atrial (LA) myxoma. 1 Further definition of tumor size, mobility, site of attachment and other features became possible with the evolution of 2-dimensional echocardiography, henceforth referred to as transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). 2 The introduction of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) provided the echocardiographer with a new window through which an unimpeded view of both atria and atrial septum became possible with high degrees of resolution and accuracy. 3,4 The following is a report of 3 patients with surgically proven LA myxoma, who were investigated preoperatively with TTE and TEE.