Transesophageal Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Intussusception of the Left Atrial Appendage

Intraoperative postbypass transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a large pedunculated left atrial mass secondary to invagination of the left atrial appendage into the left atrial cavity. The base of the mass was between the entrance of the left upper pulmonary vein and the posterior attachment of the mitral valve at the atrioventricular groove, and the body of it protruded into the left atrium and mitral funnel. Retraction of the appendage to its normal position resulted in disappearance of the mass. This diagnosis should be considered when a pedunculated mass with these morphological features is encountered in this setting. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 10, November 1993)