Biatrial myxoma: rare incidence in cardiac surgery

A myxoma is a rare, usually noncancerous primary tumour of the heart. It is the most common benign cardiac tumour in adults, yet has a very low incidence in the cardiac surgery population, representing less than 1% of all cases. Biatrial myxomas are extremely rare, comprising only 2.5% of cardiac myxomas. Myxomas can be fatal due to embolic events or sudden death, however, prognosis after surgery is extremely good. The challenge for health care professionals is early recognition, diagnosis and treatment to prevent life-threatening events. This case presentation describes a gentleman with biatrial myxomas, and further discussion reviews the location, epidemiology, pathology, clinical presentation, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment aspects of cardiac myxomas. Since myxomas are a rare occurrence in cardiac surgery, it is hoped that this report may increase awareness and enhance cardiovascular nurses' understanding and knowledge in caring for the myxoma patient.