In vivo detection of encapsulated intracardiac paraganglioma by delayed gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging.

Intracardiac paragangliomas are rare endocrine tumors that are usually benign and can be cured by surgical resection. Both invasive and encapsulated forms have been described and degree of invasion determines surgical complexity. We present in vivo detection of fibrotic encapsulation in a cardiac paraganglioma using delayed enhancement (DE) cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), later confirmed on pathology. This finding improved presurgical risk assessment and helped guide management. Tumor necrosis was also easily identified. DE appears useful in the assessment of intracardiac tumor invasion.