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Systemic septic embolisation secondary to an atrial myxoma in a young woman

Alice M Veitch1, Nathan E Manghat, Nirmal K Kakani

  • 1Department of Clinical Radiology, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH, UK. amveitch@doctors.org.uk

Emergency Radiology
|March 1, 2006
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare instance of a left atrial myxoma infected by Staphylococcus aureus, potentially linked to tampon use and toxic shock syndrome. Prompt surgical removal and antibiotics led to successful patient recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Atrial myxomas are rare primary cardiac tumors, typically benign.
  • Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen, capable of causing severe infections.
  • Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a severe, life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxins.

Observation:

  • A 35-year-old woman presented with systemic septic emboli secondary to an infected left atrial myxoma.
  • Computed tomography revealed emboli in the brain, spleen, and kidneys.
  • The patient had a history of retained tampon use, suggesting a potential source of Staphylococcus aureus infection.

Findings:

  • The left atrial myxoma was infected with Staphylococcus aureus, leading to TSS and subsequent septic embolization.
  • Surgical excision of the myxoma combined with a 4-week course of antibiotics resulted in a full recovery.
  • This represents the first reported case of a left atrial myxoma infected by Staphylococcus aureus secondary to tampon use and TSS.

Implications:

  • Tampon use may pose a risk for Staphylococcus aureus infection in individuals with undiagnosed cardiac conditions like atrial myxoma.
  • Heightened clinical awareness is crucial for recognizing this potentially life-threatening association.
  • The case underscores the importance of considering infectious etiologies in cardiac tumors and highlights diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for infected atrial myxoma.

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