[Left atrial myxoma with repeated multiple cerebral emboli]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Pathology

Background:

• Left atrial myxoma is a rare cardiac tumor.
• Cerebral emboli can arise from cardiac sources, leading to stroke.
• Recurrent neurological deficits may indicate an embolic source.

Observation:

• A 44-year-old male presented with recurrent neurological deficits including hemiparesis, aphasia, and quadriplegia.
• Initial cardiac and neurological evaluations were inconclusive.
• Cerebral angiography revealed multiple aneurysmal dilatations, suggestive of embolic events.

Findings:

• Autopsy confirmed a left atrial myxoma attached to the septal wall.
• Evidence of old infarcts was found in the brain, myocardium, and kidneys.
• The myxoma was identified as the source of repeated cerebral emboli.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering cardiac tumors in patients with unexplained recurrent embolic strokes.
• Early diagnosis and management of left atrial myxoma are crucial to prevent severe neurological damage.
• The findings emphasize the potential for systemic embolization from cardiac myxomas.