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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
[Left atrial myxoma. Report of 2 cases operated in Senegal]
Insights
Left atrial myxoma, a rare cardiac tumor, presents with heart failure and mimics mitral valve disease. Surgical outcomes for these tumors vary, with one patient recovering and another succumbing to the condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Cardiac tumors are uncommon, with left atrial myxoma being the most prevalent type.
- This study focuses on two surgically treated cases of left atrial myxoma in Dakar, Senegal.
Observation:
- Clinical presentations included heart failure, auscultation findings suggestive of mitral valve disease, and general malaise.
- Electrocardiography revealed sinus rhythm in one patient and atrial flutter in the other.
- Chest X-ray indicated cardiac enlargement, and echocardiography aided in diagnosis.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of left atrial myxoma was confirmed histologically post-surgery.
- One patient experienced a favorable outcome post-operation.
- The second patient unfortunately did not survive the surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention for left atrial myxoma.
- Underscores the variable prognosis associated with cardiac myxomas.
- Contributes to understanding the clinical presentation and management of rare cardiac tumors in a specific geographic region.
Abstract:
Cardiac tumours are rare and are dominated by left atrial myxoma. The authors report 2 cases of left atrial myxoma operated in the Cardiology department of Dakar (Senegal). Clinical signs were heart failure, cardiac sounds mimicking mitral valve disease and alteration of general state. The electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm in 1 case and atrial flutter in the second case. The chest-x-ray show cardiac enlargement. Diagnosis was suggested by echocardiography and confirmed by anatomy. Evolution was favourable in one case and the other patient died.
