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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
06:29

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques

Published on: June 11, 2019

[Left ventricular myxoma]

Felipe Santibáñez Escobar1, Fause Attié, Jesús Vargas Barrón

  • 1Departamento de Cirugía Cardiovascular, Institute Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. santi_f@yahoo.com

Archivos De Cardiologia De Mexico
|February 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

A rare left ventricular myxoma mimicked coronary artery disease in a young woman. Echocardiography led to emergency surgery, involving tumor resection and mitral valve replacement, highlighting a unique cardiac tumor presentation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Primary cardiac tumors are uncommon, with myxomas being the most frequent primary heart tumor.
  • Left ventricular myxomas are particularly rare and can present with diverse clinical manifestations.

Observation:

  • A young woman presented with symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease.
  • Diagnostic echocardiography revealed a left ventricular myxoma.
  • The tumor was attached to the papillary muscle and deformed the anterior mitral leaflet.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent emergency surgery via a transeptal approach.
  • Extensive resection of the myxoma, its pedicle, papillary muscle, and the affected mitral leaflet was performed.
  • Mitral valve replacement was necessary due to leaflet damage.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering rare cardiac tumors in the differential diagnosis of coronary artery disease-like symptoms.
  • Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing left ventricular myxomas.
  • Successful surgical management, including valve replacement, can lead to favorable outcomes.

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