Computerized tomographic diagnosis of paracardiac masses.

Paracardiac masses may alter the cardiac contour seen on roentgenograms of the chest so as to mimic configurations associated with cardiac disease. Recently, the use of computerized transmission tomography has proved valuable as a noninvasive method of distinguishing between intrinsic cardiac disease and paracardiac masses. In some cases, the procedure obviates the need for preoperative cardiac catheterization.