Surgical management of cardiac myxoma

Between 1994 and December 2003, 55 patients were operated for cardiac myxoma in Kosuyolu Heart and Research Hospital in Istanbul.

We retrospectively analyzed our results according to the preoperative characteristics, operative procedures, and postoperative courses.

Of 55 patients operated, 36 (65.4%) were female and 19 (34.6%) male. The average age of the patients was 48 +/- 15.5 years (range, 12-75). Thirteen patients (23.6%) previously had cerebrovascular accidents. Peripheral arterial emboli had occurred in 11 (20%) patients. The majority of the patients (44.4%) were in NYHA Class II preoperatively. One patient was presented with Carney's complex. Most frequent location was the left atrium (85.2%). Eight patients had concommitant surgery together with myxoma extirpation. Postoperative courses were uneventful. Three patients had a new onset atrial fibrillation, two had transient conduction disturbances. There were two (3.6%) in-hospital deaths. No recurrences have been noted during the 82.4 +/- 40.6 months (a total of 315.75 patient/years) follow-up.

Surgical management of cardiac myxoma gives excellent results. In selected cases, a conservative approach may be adequate. Despite the scarcity of the neoplastic properties, careful follow-up is necessary.