Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

08:42
Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China
Published on: February 11, 2022
Atrial myxoma in a family
The American Journal of Cardiology
|August 1, 1976
Summary
This study details a family with multiple cases of atrial myxoma, suggesting a genetic link. Early detection and awareness of familial atrial myxoma are crucial for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- Atrial myxoma is a rare tumor, often sporadic but can have familial occurrences.
- Understanding the genetic basis of atrial myxoma is essential for diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- A family presented with multiple affected members, including a mother and three children, with atrial myxoma.
- The mother experienced fatal complications following surgery for biatrial myxoma.
- Affected sons had varying presentations, from left atrial myxoma with embolization to right atrial myxoma causing valve destruction and pulmonary embolism.
Findings:
- The family's history, including sudden deaths in relatives, suggests an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern for atrial myxoma.
- Surgical outcomes varied, with successful interventions in some children but a fatal outcome in the mother.
- Clinical manifestations ranged from asymptomatic to severe complications like systemic embolization and valve destruction.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering familial atrial myxoma in patients presenting with the condition.
- Genetic counseling and thorough family screening are recommended for individuals diagnosed with atrial myxoma.
- Awareness of potential genetic transmission can guide proactive medical surveillance and timely intervention in at-risk families.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...

